On Tuesday, Axios reported that Democratic House Intelligence Committee Chair Rep. Adam Schiff is lobbying for California Governor Gavin Newsom to appoint him Attorney General of California.
Schiff is the Democrat perhaps most closely associated with the “Russian collusion” scandal that attempted to portray President Donald Trump as an asset of the Kremlin.
California’s AG spot is being vacated by Xavier Becerra, who was tapped by Joe Biden to serve as the Health and Human Services Secretary.
Axios reported, “Rep. Adam Schiff is quietly lobbying Gov. Gavin Newsom and his allies to appoint him California’s next attorney general, according to people familiar with the matter.”
Rep. Adam Schiff is quietly lobbying Gov. Gavin Newsom and his allies to appoint him California’s next attorney general, according to people familiar with the matter. https://t.co/Z2zo33hgWt
— Axios (@axios) February 3, 2021
Axios: ‘Pelosi Has Given Her Approval To Schiff’s Bid’ For AG
“If Newsom selects Schiff, chair of the House Intelligence Committee and a confidant of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Democrats would lose a powerful party voice in the U.S. House and temporarily give up a seat in their slim 221-211 majority,” Axios noted.
The report continued, “Nonetheless, Pelosi has given her approval to Schiff’s bid, a clear sign she thinks she can manage without him.”
“Spokespersons for Schiff and Pelosi declined comment,” Axios reported.
While Pelosi may approve of Schiff being appointed AG of California, some progressives are opposing such a move.
A coalition of progressive groups called the Reimagine Justice California Coalition, with members like Black Lives Matter LA, Families United 4 Justice, and San Fransisco Rising, announced their opposition to Schiff.
We are proud to join this letter calling on @CAgovernor
to not appoint Adam Schiff as our next Attorney General.“Adam Schiff has spent his career serving the interests of police associations, the CDAA, and oppressive forces, not the people of California.” @DocMellyMel pic.twitter.com/Ftdckb56Ds
— Sunrise Movement LA ? (@SunriseMvmtLA) February 2, 2021
Schiff Could Seek Feinstein’s U.S. Senate Seat
If 87-year-old Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein chooses not to run for reelection in 2024, the attorney general’s job also would better position Schiff to make the jump to the Senate.
Californians might like having the most high-profile Democrat who led the Russia investigation into then-President Trump in that role.
But it would be a major career refocus for Schiff. Three years ago, in 2018, Speaker Pelosi was reportedly preparing Schiff to become her successor.
Still, Governor Newsom’s approval rating has plummeted due to his hardline business and job-harming approach to the coronavirus pandemic.
Newsom is even facing a potential recall election later in 2021.
Frustration with @GavinNewsom's governance is putting his political future in danger:
• 1/3 of CA voters favor recall
• 1/3 of voters think Newsom has managed the pandemic in a "good or excellent" manner
• His approval rating is at less than 50%
https://t.co/Q4SY8Tieom— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 2, 2021
Whatever happens, Axios noted, “While Schiff represents California’s Los Angeles-based 28th District, a safe seat for Democrats, it would take roughly six months for a special election to select his successor.”
“It would mark the third high-profile appointment for Newsom, who tapped Secretary of State Alex Padilla to replace Kamala Harris in the Senate, making him the state’s first Hispanic U.S. senator,” Axios reported.