Former Dodgers Star Steve Garvey Enters California’s Crowded 2024 Senate Race as a Republican

In a video announcing his campaign, the former National League MVP promised to bring "fresh voices" and "new ideas" to politics

Steve Garvey is taking a swing at politics, entering California's crowded U.S. Senate race as a Republican candidate.

The 74-year-old MLB alum joins a growing list of candidates vying for the seat formerly held by Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died on Sept. 29 after serving more than 30 years in Congress.

“I played in front of millions of fans. I never played for Democrats or Republicans or independents — I played for all of you,” Garvey said in a video launching his campaign on Tuesday. “Now I’m running for U.S. Senate in California, a state that I believe at one time was the heartbeat of America, and now is just a murmur.”

Related: Dianne Feinstein's Life and Career in Photos

Garvey — a former National League MVP who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres — promised to bring "fresh voices" and "new ideas" to the table.

"We need people who are going to be exactly that: for the people,” the Palm Springs resident told NBC News. “Simply, I’m running for all the people — the things that affect the daily lives of people in California.”

He told the outlet that "family issues," including education, public safety and the economy, will be a centerpiece of his "common sense" campaign.

The already-large field of candidates hoping to secure Feinstein's coveted seat include Democratic Reps. Katie Porter, Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee.

Democratic Sen. Laphonza Butler, who was appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom to serve the remainder of Feinstein's term, has not yet announced whether she intends to seek a full term in 2024.

Related: Kamala Harris Swears In Newest Senator Laphonza Butler, Dianne Feinstein's History-Making Successor

Republicans have not won a Senate race in California in 35 years, making Garvey's bid a long shot. However, Garvey believes his high profile as a former sports star gives him an edge in the race.

“Many people know me; they know my name,” he told NBC News. “I think people will believe in me, and they’ll feel that their voice becomes my voice and I’ll go to bat for them every day.”

Back in June, Republican strategist Andy Gharakhani told the Los Angeles Times that Garvey would make a decision about running “in the next few weeks," revealing that the former athlete was being courted by both sides of the aisle.

“He is being contacted by leaders up and down the state. They’re recruiting him to run from both sides, Republican and Democrat, and he’s seriously considering it,” Gharakhani said.

Related: Former L.A. Dodger Steve Garvey Is Reportedly Considering Running for U.S. Senate as a Republican

After retiring from his 18-year baseball career in 1987, Garvey publicly floated the possibility of a U.S. Senate run but nothing came of it.

Another GOP strategist, Rob Stutzman, told the Los Angeles Times that Garvey's popularity among older voters could boost his electability.

“He did a ton of advertising over the years. He’s a very well-known former athlete in California, and, assuming a strong and competent candidacy, I think he would absolutely have the opportunity to consolidate the Republican vote in the primary,” Stutzman said.

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In his campaign video, Garvey acknowledged how tough his first political race will be.

"It's going to be difficult, but we can do this together, you and I," he said. "It's time to get off the bench, it's time to put the uniform on. It's time to get back in the game."

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