California Representative Adam Schiff makes a significant transition in his political career as he prepares to swap chambers on Capitol Hill.
According to the Washington Examiner, the Democratic congressman will resign from the House effective Sunday and take his oath as California's junior senator next Monday, December 9.
Schiff's departure from the House marks the end of his 24-year tenure in the lower chamber, where he gained prominence as a leading critic of President-elect Donald Trump and spearheaded the first impeachment investigation. His transition comes less than a month before the 119th Congress begins on January 3, 2025.
Schiff's House career culminated in several high-profile confrontations with Republican leadership. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy removed him from the Intelligence Committee, citing alleged misuse of intelligence for political purposes. The congressman also faced censure from Republicans, who accused him of misleading the public during investigations into the Trump campaign's Russian connections.
President-elect Trump labeled Schiff as "an enemy from within," prompting discussions about potential preemptive pardons from President Biden. These tensions highlighted the increasingly partisan nature of congressional oversight and investigations.
In his final address, Schiff expressed optimism about working across party lines in his new role. He shared his expectations about the Senate's collaborative culture through a video message to his constituents.
As Schiff spoke about his transition, he emphasized his positive interactions with colleagues from both parties. He reflected on his extensive meetings with Republican and Democratic senators, expressing hope for bipartisan cooperation.
Schiff's Senate victory followed a competitive primary against Representatives Katie Porter and Barbara Lee. He will replace Senator Laphonza Butler, who has served since October 2023 following Senator Dianne Feinstein's death.
Before departing, Butler delivered her farewell speech, stating:
What I know is that I stand on the floor of this Senate — of the Senate as a 14-month senator, but my road to justice and the pursuit of justice has been much longer than 14 months.
The timing of Schiff's swearing-in carries strategic importance for his Senate career. By taking office in December, he gains a seniority advantage over other freshman senators who will join in January.
Representative Andy Kim of New Jersey will join Schiff in this early transition, replacing Senator George Helmy, who served as caretaker following Bob Menendez's departure. Both new senators will be sworn in on December 9.
Kim marked his House departure with symbolic reflection, noting the word "Tolerance" inscribed in the House chamber and its connection to the Senate's center doors.
Adam Schiff's transition from the House of Representatives to the Senate represents a significant shift in California's congressional delegation. His resignation from the House takes effect Sunday, December 8, with his Senate swearing-in scheduled for Monday, December 9, allowing him to gain seniority over other incoming freshman senators. The move comes after Schiff's successful Senate campaign and follows his prominent role in the House, particularly during Trump-related investigations and impeachment proceedings.
