In a recently released poll conducted by the Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) at the University of California, Berkeley, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Republican candidate Steve Garvey are now in a statistical tie in California's nonpartisan Senate primary. With just days left before Super Tuesday, the race between the two candidates has intensified.

According to the survey, Garvey has garnered 27 percent support, while Schiff closely trails behind with 25 percent. Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) secured 19 percent, followed by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) with only 8 percent. The poll also revealed that turnout for the primary has been notably low, with predominantly older Californians casting their ballots.

In California's nonpartisan primary system, the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the runoff in November. The winner will fill the vacancy left by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D), who is currently being represented by temporary appointee Sen. Laphonza Butler (D).

Schiff, who has been leading in other polls in recent weeks, has seemingly attempted to elevate Garvey's candidacy. Political observers suggest that Schiff may see a Democrat-Republican showdown as more favorable for his chances of victory, rather than competing against fellow Democrats.

The Berkeley IGS poll also noted a significant surge in support for Garvey over the past several weeks. Furthermore, Garvey appears to fare even better in the partial-term race on the California ballot. With 29 percent support, he leads Schiff, who has 23 percent, and Porter, who secured 20 percent. The poll attributes this boost to the fewer number of Republican names on the partial-term ballot compared to the full-term ballot.

The survey, which was conducted from February 22 to 27, included 6,536 registered voters in California. It found that nearly two-thirds of the likely electorate consists of individuals aged 50 or older, whereas voters under 40 are significantly underrepresented.

The poll release emphasized Garvey's advantage over the field among fellow Republicans, as well as his popularity among older voters, whites, and homeowners. The estimated sampling error for the poll is approximately plus or minus 2 percentage points.

As the primary contest approaches its final stages, both Schiff and Garvey are vying for a full term in the Senate starting in January 2025, as well as a partial term to take over from Sen. Butler between this November and the start of the next term.

The outcome of the California nonpartisan Senate primary remains uncertain, with Schiff and Garvey locked in a tight race. With Super Tuesday fast approaching, the candidates will undoubtedly ramp up their efforts to secure the crucial support needed for a spot in the November runoff and, ultimately, to fill the vacant Senate seat.