PLEASANTON, Calif. (KRON) -- Republican United States Senate candidate and former Major League Baseball star Steve Garvey made a campaign stop in the East Bay Thursday. The ex-Los Angeles Dodgers slugger was in Pleasanton, where he met with members of the Jewish community.
The candidate discussed the rise in antisemitism and how the war between Israel and Hamas is impacting the families of those in the community. Garvey said he has traveled the world, but never visited Israel or the Gaza Strip.
He said it was important to hear firsthand from people in California directly impacted by the deadly conflict in the Middle East.
One mane he met with said his cousin was killed in the fight two weeks ago.
"It's very personal for my family," said David Yaffe, whose cousin was killed. "It's very painful for my family."
Garvey was joined by seven members of the Jewish community. He spoke with the group at the Chabad of the Tri-Valley in Pleasanton. The roundtable discussion lasted about 45 minutes.
"I think one of the virtues I'll have as your next senator is the ability to sit down and listen to people," Garvey said.
What he heard from the group was fear over the rise of antisemitism.
Garvey said he also intends to meet with members of the Muslim community.
"I don't think you can truly understand the depth and what's going on now if you don't talk to both sides," Garvey said.
The candidate also talked about the broader issues impacting the state, including homelessness, the economy and immigration.
When reminded the state has not elected a Republican to the Senate in decades, Garvey had this to say.
"I guess we're due, right? I guess it's time. I mean, we basically have one voice in California," he replied.
Garvey is running for the seat long held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died last year. An Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics poll released Thursday shows Garvey in second, behind Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank).