‘It will be resolved’: Steve Garvey addresses concerns over his back taxes

Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Steve Garvey sat down with Inside California Politics in early May for one of his first post-primary interviews to discuss his ability to win in November, current college protests and concerns over his back taxes.

The former MLB first baseman and businessman believes he can win with strong campaigning and voter outreach in a state where registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans by about 2 to 1.

“We’ve had significant progress with independents, those who are undecided, the disenfranchised Democrat. We will win it because we care about all people,” Garvey said.

Garvey says he’s actively campaigning to get his message out.

“We’re very aggressive with our mantra, which is ‘common sense, compassion, and consensus,’” Garvey said.

Recently, Garvey turned his focus to the Israel-Hamas war and the violence on college campuses between pro-Palestinian protesters and counter-protesters, as well as police.

“This is terrorism disguised as free speech,” Garvey said. “We should have free speech, but it should be organized the right way. It should not attack other people.”

“When they are attacking students who are Jewish, it is a hate crime. I support Israel yesterday, today, and tomorrow. We should stand by and protect their needs. We can’t tell them not to protect their sovereignty.”

On domestic matters, he says if elected to the Senate, he’ll push to secure funding for local police departments and border security.

“The economy…It’s the kitchen table and the gas station. To all those needs men and women have every day. They need help,” he said.

Garvey said that must include lower taxes but it’s the very issue of his own income taxes that’s garnered a lot of attention this spring. Documents show he has recently owed at least $350,000 in back taxes to the government.

His opponent in the 2024 November election, Rep. Adam Schiff, has tried to capitalize on the issue.

“Californians deserve a senator who will fight for them, not someone who thinks the rules don’t apply to him,” Schiff said recently.

Garvey said the issue is going to be resolved.

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“For 50 years, I have filed, always filed my taxes on time,” Garvey said. “There have been some challenges we have had. There are ongoing discussions with the IRS and the state. It will be resolved in the future. We never neglect our responsibilities.”

Garvey finished second in the state’s March 5 primary with 31.5% of the vote. Schiff finished first with roughly 4,600 votes (0.06%) more than Garvey.

Two other Democratic candidates, Rep. Katie Porter and Rep. Barbara Lee, finished in third and fourth place respectively with just under 25% of the vote combined.