Vince Fong Wins Special Election to Succeed McCarthy
Vince Fong Wins Special Election for McCarthy's Seat
Vince Fong, a California State Assembly member endorsed by former President Donald Trump, won a special election on Tuesday to finish the remainder of deposed former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's term, which extends through January.
Vince Fong Wins with Support from Trump and McCarthy
Fong, a protégé of McCarthy who also had the former speaker’s support, defeated fellow Republican and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux in the 20th Congressional District, located in the Central Valley farm region.
Due to Trump's involvement, the race is seen as a potential indicator of the former president's influence as he approaches an almost certain contest against President Joe Biden in November.
“With the campaign over, the real work now begins,” Fong stated, noting his priorities will include border security, supporting small businesses, and investing in water storage essential for the region's agriculture.
Vince Fong Wins Amid Low Turnout
It is not immediately known when Fong will be sworn in, as that decision is up to current House Speaker Mike Johnson. Turnout appeared to be low for the unusual May election, which began mail-in voting last month.
Trump endorsed Fong in February, praising him as “a true Republican.” Boudreaux’s supporters included Richard Grenell, a former acting director of national intelligence under Trump, and Republican state Sen. Shannon Grove from Bakersfield, Fong’s hometown.
Vince Fong Wins and Boosts GOP Presence in California
Republicans currently hold only 11 of California’s 52 U.S. House seats. With McCarthy's former district remaining under GOP control, Republicans will now have 12 seats in the state delegation, slightly increasing the party's slim majority in Congress by one vote.
The House is composed of 217 Republicans, 213 Democrats, and five vacancies, including McCarthy's former seat.
Vince Fong Wins Special Election, Faces November Challenge
The special election only fills the remainder of McCarthy's term. Fong and Boudreaux will compete again in November for a full two-year term in the district, with the special election winner gaining the advantage of incumbency.
In a statement, Boudreaux mentioned he had congratulated Fong in a phone call, thanked his volunteers and donors, and indicated he was already preparing for November.
“California is experiencing an unprecedented crime crisis. I will continue to fight for a safer Valley and a safer California,” Boudreaux stated.
Vince Fong Wins After Appearing on Two House Ballots
Some voters may be confused, as Fong and Boudreaux have already appeared on two House ballots this year the March 5 statewide primary for the full House term and the March 19 primary for the special election to complete McCarthy's term.
Vince Fong Wins with Shared Policy Positions
Both conservative Republicans and Trump supporters, Fong and Boudreaux share similar policy positions. Boudreaux has emphasized his extensive law-and-order experience and pledged to strengthen the nation’s border security.
Fong also vowed to "end the chaos" at the Mexico border while focusing on the water and energy needs of the farm belt.
Vince Fong Wins with Significant Advantages
Fong, a former McCarthy aide, entered the race with significant advantages, including endorsements from Trump and McCarthy.
He secured 42% of the vote in the March primary, compared to Boudreaux’s nearly 26%, with the remaining votes split among other candidates.
Additionally, Fong, who is from the most populous part of the district, Kern County, outpaced Boudreaux in campaign fundraising by approximately 3 to 1, according to federal records up to the end of March.
Vince Fong Wins Backed by McCarthy’s PAC
McCarthy’s dramatic ouster from his role as House Speaker—the first in history to be voted out—left behind a chaotic race to replace him, revealing internal party rivalries. Working behind the scenes, McCarthy has actively supported Fong's candidacy.
A political action committee associated with McCarthy funneled over $700,000 into the 20th District race to bolster Fong's campaign.
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