(Headline USA) Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., claimed his primary residence being in Maryland was a “non-issue” despite the fact that he is running for a U.S. Senate seat representing California.
Schiff has owned a 3,420-square-foot home in Maryland for years but has claimed his much smaller 650-square-foot condo in Burbank, California as his primary residence on tax forms.
The maneuver has allowed the Democrat to save more than $7,000 in property taxes over the years, according to the New York Post.
The report comes as Schiff vies for the seat previously held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.
Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., who was selected by Gov. Gavin Newsom to be the temporary replacement for Feinstein, likewise elicited criticism over the fact that she was not a permanent California resident but rather resided in Maryland.
Butler indicated after accepting the appointment that she planned to relocate to California.
Schiff, however, has dismissed allegations of wrongdoing, arguing that it’s normal for lawmakers to have split residences in the D.C. area and in their home states.
“I think just about every member of Congress has a residence in their state and a residence back in D.C. since we’re in session much of the week,” Schiff told KCRA 3.
“People make a family decision where they’re going to have their kids, but our principal residence—our primary residence—is in California,” he continued. “Always has been and always will be.”
Unlike other lawmakers, who opt to have their smaller residences near the Swamp, Schiff has chosen to raise his family in Maryland and not in California.
“I think honestly it’s a non-issue,” he deflected when asked why.
“Members of Congress all have a residence on both coasts, and they make a decision based on how far away the Capitol is and the age of their kids where they’ll get to see most of their kids,” he added. “It’s really as simple as that.”
Schiff has not claimed his Maryland home as a principal residence, but does have it listed as a principal residence on his mortgage. Schiff’s campaign claimed this designation was to avoid having to list his Maryland home as a vacation home.
“Adam’s primary residence is Burbank, California, and will remain so when he wins the Senate seat,” claimed Schiff’s communications director Marisol Samayoa.
