Trump-Endorsed Contender Competes for Open Seat in McCarthy’s District

In a special election on Tuesday, California legislator State Assembly member Vince Fong and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, both Republicans, are competing for the 20th Congressional District seat to complete the term of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., until January.

The district, located in California’s Central Valley farm belt, is the most strongly Republican House seat in the state. With former President Donald Trump endorsing Fong, the race is seen as a potential proxy vote on Trump’s influence as he prepares for a likely showdown with President Joe Biden in November.

Fong, endorsed by Trump in February, is supported by prominent figures like former acting director of national intelligence Richard Grenell and Republican state Sen. Shannon Grove. The special election will affect the balance of power in Congress, with Republicans aiming to maintain the district formerly held by McCarthy and strengthen their position by gaining an extra seat.

A light turnout is expected for the special election, which covers the remainder of McCarthy’s term. Fong and Boudreaux will face each other again in November for a full term, but the winner of the special election will have the advantage of incumbency.

Both Fong and Boudreaux, who have appeared on previous House ballots this year, share similar policy positions as conservative Republicans and Trump supporters. Fong, with strong support from Kern County, has a fundraising advantage over Boudreaux and has received backing from McCarthy as well.

The contest to succeed McCarthy, who was voted out of the House, has been marked by internal party rivalries and significant support for Fong, including financial contributions from a political action committee linked to McCarthy.

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