LOS ANGELES (AP) — Vince Fong, a California State Assembly member supported by former President Donald Trump, emerged victorious in a special election on Tuesday to finish out the remaining term of removed former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, lasting until January.
Fong, a McCarthy protege with the former speaker’s backing, defeated fellow Republican and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux in the 20th Congressional District, situated in the Central Valley farm area of the state.
Due to Trump’s involvement, this election will be observed as a potential test of the former president’s influence as he moves towards a possible showdown against President Joe Biden in November.
“With the campaign over, the real work now begins,” Fong expressed in a statement, outlining his focus on border security, backing for small businesses, and investment in critical water storage for the agricultural region.
The timing of Fong’s swearing-in is yet to be determined, which is under the purview of current House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Turnout for the unusual May election seemed to be low, with mail-in voting already underway from the previous month.
Trump formally endorsed Fong in February, labeling him as “a true Republican.” Boudreaux garnered support from figures like Richard Grenell, a former acting director of national intelligence in the Trump administration, and Republican state Sen. Shannon Grove of Bakersfield, Fong’s hometown.
Republicans currently hold 11 out of the state’s 52 U.S. House seats. With the retention of the district once held by McCarthy, Republicans will secure 12 seats in the state delegation, fortifying the party’s slim majority in Congress by one vote.
As of now, there are 217 Republicans, 213 Democrats, and five vacancies, including McCarthy’s former seat, in the House.
The special election specifically covers the remainder of McCarthy’s term. Fong and Boudreaux will compete once again in November for a full two-year term in the district, with the winner of the special election having the advantage of incumbency.
In his statement, Boudreaux congratulated Fong over the phone, thanked volunteers and donors for their support, and indicated his readiness for the upcoming November elections.
“California is facing an unparalleled crime crisis. That’s why I am committed to intensifying efforts for a safer Valley and a safer California,” Boudreaux remarked.
Some voters might find it confusing as Fong and Boudreaux were already on two House ballots this year — the March 5 statewide primary for the full House term and the March 19 primary in the special election to complete McCarthy’s term.
Both conservative Republicans and Trump supporters, Fong and Boudreaux share similar policy views. Boudreaux has emphasized his extensive law enforcement background and commitment to securing the nation’s borders. Fong, on the other hand, has promised to address border issues with Mexico while also focusing on water and energy needs in the agricultural region.
As a former aide to McCarthy, Fong had certain advantages heading into the race beyond the endorsements from Trump and McCarthy.
He secured 42% of the vote in the March primary, with Boudreaux obtaining nearly 26% and the remainder split among other candidates. Hailing from the most populous part of the district, Kern County, Fong outstripped the sheriff by a margin of about 3 to 1 in campaign funds, as per federal records until the end of March.
McCarthy’s ouster from the House — being the only speaker in history to get voted out of the position — led to a heated race to succeed him, showcasing internal rivalries within the party. McCarthy has silently supported Fong’s candidacy, with a political action committee linked to him channeling over $700,000 into the 20th District contest to bolster Fong’s campaign.
McCarthy resigned last year post his removal as speaker.
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