Full History Of Adam Schiff In Timeline From 1913

1913: Creation of California's 27th Congressional District

In 1913, California's 27th congressional district was created.

June 22, 1960: Adam Schiff Born

On June 22, 1960, Adam Bennett Schiff was born in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Others born on this day/year

1970: Moved to Scottsdale, Arizona

In 1970, Adam Schiff moved with his parents to Scottsdale, Arizona.

1972: Moved to Alamo, California

In 1972, Adam Schiff moved with his parents to Alamo, California.

1978: Graduated from Monte Vista High School

In 1978, Adam Schiff graduated from Monte Vista High School in Danville, California. He was the class salutatorian and voted "most likely to succeed".

1982: Graduated from Stanford University

In 1982, Adam Schiff received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Stanford University, graduating with distinction.

1985: Graduated from Harvard Law School

In 1985, Adam Schiff obtained his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School cum laude.

1987: Assistant United States Attorney

In 1987, Adam Schiff became an assistant United States attorney in the Office of the United States Attorney for the Central District of California, a position he held until 1993.

1990: Schiff met his wife, Eve Sanderson

In 1990, Schiff met his wife, Eve Sanderson, on a tennis court.

1993: Prosecution of Soviet Spy Richard Miller

In 1993, Adam Schiff, as an assistant United States attorney, successfully prosecuted Richard Miller, a Soviet spy.

May 1994: Lost Election for California State Assembly

In May 1994, Adam Schiff was a candidate for the 43rd district seat in the California State Assembly in a special election but lost to Republican nominee James E. Rogan.

1994: Nagorno-Karabakh war

Schiff called for U.S. recognition of the Republic of Artsakh, which has been under control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since the end of a separatist war in 1994.

1995: Schiff married Eve Sanderson

Schiff and Eve Sanderson married in 1995.

1996: Elected to California State Senate

In 1996, Adam Schiff was elected to represent the 21st district in the California State Senate, defeating Republican assemblywoman Paula Boland.

1998: Authored Senate Bill 1847

In 1998, as a state senator, Adam Schiff authored Senate Bill 1847, Chapter 1021, which continued work on the stalled Blue Line light rail extension to Pasadena by renaming it the Gold Line and creating the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority.

2000: Close Election Bid

After the 2000 census, the district was renumbered the 29th and made significantly more Democratic. As a result, Schiff never faced another contest nearly as close as his 2000 bid, and was reelected 11 times.

2000: Unseated James E. Rogan

In 2000, Adam Schiff unseated incumbent James E. Rogan in what was then California's 27th congressional district, taking 53% of the vote and becoming only the second Democrat to represent the district since its creation.

2000: End of term in the California State Senate

In 2000, Adam Schiff's term in the California State Senate came to an end.

2001: Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists

Following a speech by Obama at the National Defense University, in 2001, Schiff introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at repealing the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists. He argued that the AUMF had become outdated and was being stretched to justify the use of force beyond the intended war theater.

2001: Elected to the House of Representatives

In 2001, Adam Schiff began serving in the United States House of Representatives, where he served 12 terms until 2024.

2001: Bush-era Plans to Fight ISIS

In February 2015, while discussing how or whether to tailor Bush-era plans from 2001 and 2002 to fight ISIS, Adam Schiff was asked whether he regretted his vote.

2002: Bush-era Plans to Fight ISIS

In February 2015, while discussing how or whether to tailor Bush-era plans from 2001 and 2002 to fight ISIS, Adam Schiff was asked whether he regretted his vote.

2003: Voted in Favor of Iraq Invasion

In 2003, Adam Schiff voted in favor of the invasion of Iraq.

2003: Pasadena Gold Line Finished

In 2003, the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority finished the Pasadena Gold Line.

2006: Formed Congressional Caucus for the Freedom of the Press

In 2006, Adam Schiff formed the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Caucus for the Freedom of the Press, aimed at advancing press freedom around the world.

October 11, 2007: Armenian Genocide Resolution Approved

On October 11, 2007, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee approved U.S. House Resolution 106, introduced by Adam Schiff, recognizing the Armenian genocide.

2007: Terrorist Surveillance Program

In 2007, in response to disclosure of the Terrorist Surveillance Program, Adam Schiff and Representative Jeff Flake offered a successful amendment to clarify that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is the exclusive means for collecting foreign intelligence information within the U.S.

October 1, 2009: Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act

On October 1, 2009, the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act was introduced to Congress by Schiff, Representative Mike Pence, and Senator Christopher Dodd.

2009: Schiff served as impeachment manager in the trial of Judge Samuel B. Kent

In 2009, Schiff was appointed and served as an impeachment manager (prosecutor) in the impeachment trial of Judge Samuel B. Kent, acting as the lead manager alongside Bob Goodlatte.

March 4, 2010: House Foreign Affairs Committee Approved Armenian Genocide Resolution

On March 4, 2010, the House Foreign Affairs Committee again approved the resolution recognizing the Armenian genocide by a 23–22 margin, leading the Turkish government to recall its U.S. ambassador.

May 17, 2010: Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act signed into law

On May 17, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act into law.

2010: District Made More Democratic

After the 2010 census, Schiff's district became even more Democratic, was renumbered the 28th and pushed into Los Angeles proper.

2010: Defeated John Colbert

In 2010, Adam Schiff defeated Tea Party–backed Republican John Colbert for a sixth term.

2010: Schiff participated in the inaugural Washington, D.C., triathlon

In 2010, Schiff was the only U.S. representative to participate in the inaugural Washington, D.C., triathlon.

2012: Attacks on Benghazi Diplomatic Compound

Adam Schiff participated in the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence investigation into the 2012 attacks on the Benghazi diplomatic compound.

2012: Defeated Phil Jennerjahn

In 2012, Adam Schiff defeated Republican Phil Jennerjahn.

2014: Defeated Steve Stokes

In 2014, Adam Schiff defeated independent candidate Steve Stokes.

2014: Introduced Telephone Metadata Reform Act

In 2014, Adam Schiff introduced the Telephone Metadata Reform Act, which would prohibit the bulk collection of domestic phone records.

2014: Provision Directing FAA to Address Helicopter Noise

In 2014, Adam Schiff worked with Senator Dianne Feinstein to attach a provision in the 2014 omnibus appropriations package directing the U.S. secretary of transportation and the FAA to address helicopter noise in Los Angeles County.

2014: Appointed to House Select Committee on Benghazi

In 2014, Nancy Pelosi appointed Adam Schiff to the House Select Committee on Benghazi as one of the five Democrats on the committee.

2014: Schiff participated in the AIDS/LifeCycle

In 2014, Schiff was the first member of Congress to participate in the AIDS/LifeCycle, a seven-day charity bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise awareness and funding to fight HIV and AIDS.

February 2015: Regretted Vote for Iraq War

In February 2015, Adam Schiff expressed regret for his vote in favor of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

2015: FAA Created Complaint System

As a result of Schiff's efforts, in 2015, the FAA created a countywide helicopter noise public complaint system, the first step toward regulation.

2015: Supported Saudi Arabian-Led Intervention in Yemen

In 2015, Adam Schiff supported the Saudi Arabian–led intervention in Yemen.

December 2016: Schiff urges Obama to veto UN Security Council Resolution 2334

In December 2016, Schiff urged Obama to veto UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which condemned Israeli settlement building in the occupied Palestinian territories as a violation of international law.

2016: Defeated Lenore Solis

In 2016, Adam Schiff defeated Republican candidate Lenore Solis.

2016: Gold Line Extended to Azusa

In 2016, the Gold Line was extended to Azusa by the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority.

2016: Trump campaign collusion with Russia

In a March 22, 2017 interview, Schiff stated there was "more than circumstantial evidence now" that Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia.

2016: Russian interference in the United States elections

On April 2, 2017, Schiff appeared on CNN's State of the Union to discuss Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections. Schiff talked about Michael Flynn's request for immunity, his and Devin Nunes's separate inspections of White House documents, Trump's allegations of wiretapping in Trump Tower, and Nunes's apparent close association with the Trump White House.

2016: House of Representatives censured Schiff for role in promoting Trump-Russia collusion theory

On June 21, 2023, the House of Representatives censured Schiff in a party-line vote on H.Res. 521, which investigated his role as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee in promoting the "conspiracy theory" that Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 United States presidential election.

2016: Republicans call for Schiff's resignation due to allegations that Trump's campaign colluded with Russians

On March 28, 2019, the nine Republican members of the House Intelligence Committee officially called for Schiff's resignation due to his allegations that Trump's campaign colluded with Russians in the 2016 election. Schiff responded by accusing the Republican members of tolerating "immoral" and "corrupt" conduct by Trump campaign members and administration appointees.

March 22, 2017: Schiff discusses evidence of Trump campaign collusion with Russia

In a March 22, 2017, interview with Chuck Todd, Schiff stated that there was "more than circumstantial evidence now" suggesting collusion between Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia, prompting further investigation.

April 2, 2017: Schiff appears on CNN's State of the Union

On April 2, 2017, Schiff appeared on CNN's State of the Union to discuss Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections. Schiff talked about Michael Flynn's request for immunity, his and Devin Nunes's separate inspections of White House documents, Trump's allegations of wiretapping in Trump Tower, and Nunes's apparent close association with the Trump White House.

July 23, 2017: Schiff comments on presidential interests

On July 23, 2017, Schiff stated that it was important to ensure the president operates in America's best interest. The next morning on Twitter, Trump responded by calling Schiff "Sleazy Adam Schiff" and referred to the Russian collusion investigation as "the Dem loss excuse". Schiff responded on Twitter that the president's "comments and actions are beneath the dignity of the office".

April 2018: Schiff comments on Trump's role in North Korea talks

In April 2018, Schiff acknowledged that Trump's unpredictability and bellicosity likely contributed to North Korea's decision to engage in talks with the U.S.

December 2018: Schiff suggests Roger Stone might have lied to Congress

In December 2018, Schiff suggested that Trump associate Roger Stone may have lied to Congress, and said the transcript of his testimony should be forwarded to the Special Counsel.

2018: Screenwriting on the Side

In 2018, The New Yorker reported that Adam Schiff had been writing screenplays for years, including a murder mystery, a post-Holocaust story, and a spy drama.

2018: Defeated Johnny Nalbandian

In 2018, after Kim Gruenenfelder dropped out of the race, Adam Schiff defeated Republican nominee Johnny Nalbandian.

February 2019: Schiff condemns Ilhan Omar's anti-Semitic tweet

In February 2019, Schiff condemned Representative Ilhan Omar's tweet, "It's all about the Benjamins baby," for invoking anti-Semitic smears regarding American politicians' support for Israel.

March 28, 2019: Republicans call for Schiff's resignation

On March 28, 2019, the nine Republican members of the House Intelligence Committee officially called for Schiff's resignation due to his allegations that Trump's campaign colluded with Russians in the 2016 election. Schiff responded by accusing the Republican members of tolerating "immoral" and "corrupt" conduct by Trump campaign members and administration appointees.

April 2019: Schiff voted for War Powers Act resolution

In April 2019, Schiff voted in favor of a bipartisan resolution under the War Powers Act aimed at ending U.S. involvement in a war. Although the resolution passed in both the Senate and the House, it was ultimately vetoed.

October 29, 2019: House Passed Armenian Genocide Resolution

On October 29, 2019, the full House of Representatives passed the resolution recognizing the Armenian genocide by a vote of 405–11.

November 2019: Roger Stone convicted of lying to Congress

In November 2019, Trump associate Roger Stone was convicted of lying to Congress, a matter Schiff had raised the prior year.

December 18, 2019: Trump impeached

On December 18, 2019, as chair of the Intelligence Committee, Schiff was a lead investigator in the impeachment inquiry against Trump stemming from the Trump–Ukraine scandal. Trump was impeached along party lines by 228 votes to 193 in the House.

2019: Chaired House Intelligence Committee

In 2019, Adam Schiff became the chair of the House Intelligence Committee.

2019: Schiff investigates Trump's connections to Russia

In 2019, after becoming chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Schiff initiated a personal mission to investigate Trump's connections to Russia. He faced criticism for his stance on the Special Counsel's investigation, stating that evidence of collusion or conspiracy might exist even if it didn't meet the standard for criminal conviction.

January 15, 2020: Pelosi names Schiff a lead impeachment manager

On January 15, 2020, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed Schiff as a lead impeachment manager, leading a team of seven House members to present the impeachment case against Trump during his Senate trial.

December 2020: Biden nominated Xavier Becerra for Secretary of Health and Human Services

In early December 2020, President-elect Joe Biden announced he would nominate Attorney General of California Xavier Becerra for Secretary of Health and Human Services.

2020: Schiff's District Renumbered

After the 2020 census, Adam Schiff's district was renumbered the 30th and made more Democratic.

2020: Won Primary and General Election

In 2020, Adam Schiff won a crowded primary and then easily won the general election.

2020: Schiff comments on conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan

In 2020, Schiff accused Turkey of inciting the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. He co-signed a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asking the Administration to use all available diplomatic tools to reduce tensions, end the fighting, and restrain Azerbaijan from further offensive actions.

February 2021: Schiff lobbied for Attorney General post

In February 2021, it was reported that Schiff was lobbying Governor Gavin Newsom and his allies to appoint him as Attorney General, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi's approval.

March 24, 2021: Newsom announced he would appoint California state assemblyman Rob Bonta

On March 24, 2021, Newsom announced he would appoint California state assemblyman Rob Bonta, who took office on April 23.

July 1, 2021: Pelosi appointed Schiff to Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack

On July 1, 2021, Pelosi appointed Schiff as one of the nine members of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol.

October 2021: Publication of Midnight in Washington

In October 2021, Adam Schiff published "Midnight in Washington: How We Almost Lost Our Democracy and Still Could", a book about the Trump presidency.

Midnight in Washington: How We Almost Lost Our Democracy and Still Could

Check it on Amazon

January 2022: Announced Reelection Run

In January 2022, Adam Schiff announced he would run for reelection in the new 30th district.

June 21, 2022: Schiff led Day 4 of the committee's public hearings

On June 21, 2022, Schiff led Day 4 of the committee's public hearings, which included testimony from Republican officials and focused on Trump supporters' harassment of Georgia poll worker Wandrea' ArShaye Moss and her family.

January 26, 2023: Schiff declared his candidacy for the United States Senate

On January 26, 2023, Schiff declared his candidacy for the United States Senate in the 2024 election.

April 2023: Schiff calls for U.S. recognition of the Republic of Artsakh

In April 2023, Schiff reiterated his call for U.S. recognition of the Republic of Artsakh.

June 21, 2023: House of Representatives censured Schiff

On June 21, 2023, the House of Representatives censured Schiff in a party-line vote on H.Res. 521, which investigated his role as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee in promoting the "conspiracy theory" that Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 United States presidential election.

October 2023: Schiff comments on Israel-Hamas war

In October 2023, Schiff condemned Hamas's actions during the Israel–Hamas war and expressed his support for Israel and its right to self-defense. He rejected calls for a ceasefire but said he supported "humanitarian pauses" to deliver aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

2023: Removed from House Intelligence Committee

In 2023, Adam Schiff was removed from the House Intelligence Committee by Republican House speaker Kevin McCarthy.

March 5, 2024: Schiff advanced to the general election

On March 5, 2024, Schiff advanced to the general election, where he faced Garvey, a former professional baseball player. Schiff was widely expected to win the race.

December 8, 2024: Resigned from the House

On December 8, 2024, Adam Schiff resigned from the House of Representatives in preparation for an appointment to finish the remainder of Dianne Feinstein's term in the Senate.

December 9, 2024: Sworn into the Senate

On December 9, 2024, Adam Schiff was sworn into the U.S. Senate.

2024: AIPAC-affiliated Super PAC gives money to pro-Schiff superpac

During Schiff's 2024 Senate primary campaign, the AIPAC-affiliated Super PAC, United Democracy Project, gave $5 million to the pro-Schiff superpac Standing Strong, as confirmed by its spokesman, Patrick Dorton. Democratic Majority for Israel's political arm, DMFI PAC, also endorsed Schiff during this campaign.

2024: Elected to the Senate

In 2024, Adam Schiff was elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating Katie Porter, Barbara Lee in the primary, and Steve Garvey in the general election. He has held the seat since.

2024: Schiff candidacy receives endorsement from former house speaker Nancy Pelosi

On February 2, 2023, Schiff's candidacy received a significant boost with an endorsement from former house speaker Nancy Pelosi. This endorsement came after the incumbent, Dianne Feinstein, announced she would not seek reelection.

January 3, 2025: Schiff won election for Senate term

On November 5, 2024, Schiff won both the election to complete Feinstein's remaining term and the election for the Senate term beginning on January 3, 2025.