In November, 34 states will hold elections for the Senate. In California, two candidates are fighting for the opportunity to be the next senator in office, one of them being a Monte Vista alumnus: Adam Schiff.
In the United States Senate, each state is represented by two senators who serve six-year terms. Due to Senator Diane Feinstein passing in 2023, there will be a Special Senate Election which occurs outside the regular six-year election cycle to fill a vacant Senate seat. Democratic candidate, Adam Schiff, hopes to succeed Laphonza Butler, who was appointed as Feinstein’s interim replacement.
Adam Schiff’s story starts in Alamo, California, where he attended Monte Vista. Like most teens, he had big dreams. Schiff excelled both academically and athletically—he was the salutatorian, played soccer for the Mustangs, and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by his classmates. That prediction proved true, as Schiff went on to build a prominent political career, serving 23 years as a member of the United States House of Representatives.
Since Schiff graduated in 1978, his influence continues to inspire current students. Junior Dylan Chauhan shared his perspective on Schiff’s impact.
“I think it’s really nice seeing what Schiff has done, proving to us that it doesn’t always matter where you come from because you can succeed as long as you put your mind to it,” Chauhan said. “And I know I’m not the only one that sees him as a role model. There are many of us who aspire to reach his level, and Schiff has shown us that it’s possible with hard work.”
Schiff’s odds in the upcoming election are good. Given that California is predominantly a Democratic state, 62% of California residents said they’d vote for Schiff, compared to 37% who said they’d vote for Republican candidate Steve Garvey. If elected, Schiff would be the first Monte Vista alum to be in the United States Senate.
Many of us at Monte Vista may sometimes feel that our dreams and aspirations are too distant or unattainable. However, it’s important to remember that Schiff, too, was once a student like us. His journey should always remind us that with confidence and perseverance, we too can achieve great things and become examples for future generations.
