Former California Rep. Adam Schiff to be Sworn in as Senator
What to Know
- Former California Rep. Adam Schiff will be sworn in to the Senate after winning a Nov. 5 election contest against former Dodger Steve Garvey.
- The Southern California politician has served in the House of Representatives since 2001.
- Schiff will take over from Sen. Laphonza Butler, who was appointed to fill the last weeks of the term following the death of Dianne Feinstein.
- The Burbank Democrat’s full six-year Senate term begins in January.
Former California Rep. Adam Schiff will become the state’s newest senator Monday when he is sworn in at a Capitol Hill ceremony.
Schiff, 64, will take the reigns from Sen. Laphonza Butler, who was appointed to fill the last weeks of the term following the death of Dianne Feinstein in September 2023. Butler did not contest the seat in the Nov. 5 election, which saw Schiff defeat Republican challenger and former Dodger Steve Garvey.
Swearing-In Ceremony
Schiff’s swearing in Monday afternoon will be on the floor of the U.S. Senate. California’s other U.S. senator, Alex Padilla, will conduct the oath of office. A Maimonides Mishneh Torah printed in Italy in 1490 will be used in the ceremony, according to his office.
Schiff will be sworn in again Jan. 3 for the full term.
Background and Career
Schiff has served in the House of Representatives since 2001 and became one of the body’s fiercest critics of President-elect Donald Trump. He stood on the same Senate floor five years ago as a House impeachment manager and pleaded with lawmakers to remove Trump from office over his dealings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The effort failed in the Republican-led Senate and Trump was acquitted. Trump prevailed in a second impeachment effort a year later after his supporters raided the U.S. Capitol and tried to overturn his defeated in the 2020 election.
Trump’s Comments
In a Fox interview before the election, Trump called the Burbank congressman part of the “enemy from within.” Schiff has waved off questions about whether he was concerned that Trump would use the executive branch for retribution.
“You have to take any would-be despot at their word,” Schiff said in an October interview for NBCLA’s NewsConference. “All of his enemies — (Barack) Obama, Joe Biden, (Nancy) Pelosi – any who stand up to him he considers his enemy.”
Bipartisanship and Future Plans
Schiff, a former House Intelligence Committee chairman, told the Associated Press that he hoping to be known for his bipartisanship after campaigning in Republican strongholds in California and learning more about rural issues.
“I think being there and letting folks get to know me, kick the tires a bit, helps overcome some of the sort of Fox News stereotypes,” Schiff said in an interview with the AP.
Conclusion
Adam Schiff’s swearing-in as the newest senator from California marks a significant moment in the state’s political history. As he takes office, he will face a range of challenges and opportunities, from voting on Trump’s cabinet nominees to working with his colleagues to address the state’s pressing issues. With his experience and commitment to bipartisanship, Schiff is well-positioned to make a positive impact in the Senate.
FAQs
Q: Who will Adam Schiff replace in the Senate?
A: Schiff will take over from Sen. Laphonza Butler, who was appointed to fill the last weeks of the term following the death of Dianne Feinstein.
Q: What is Adam Schiff’s background?
A: Schiff has served in the House of Representatives since 2001 and became one of the body’s fiercest critics of President-elect Donald Trump.
Q: What are Adam Schiff’s plans for his time in the Senate?
A: Schiff has stated that he hopes to be known for his bipartisanship and plans to work with his colleagues to address the state’s pressing issues.
Q: Will Adam Schiff face any challenges in the Senate?
A: As a member of the minority party, Schiff will face challenges in the Senate, including voting on Trump’s cabinet nominees and working with his colleagues to pass legislation.
