California Candidate Supported by Trump Moves Forward to Runoff for U.S. House

Republican state legislator Vince Fong has advanced to a May election in California to determine who will serve out the remainder of former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s term, which ends in January.

The result of the crowded field of candidates vying against Fong for the 20th District special election on May 21 was still uncertain as of Tuesday night.

Fong, a former aide to McCarthy with the speaker’s endorsement, and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, also a Republican, were among the candidates competing to fill the vacancy left by McCarthy’s resignation last year in the conservative district.

Endorsed by former President Donald Trump, Fong is a member of the California Assembly. The Republicans are expected to easily retain the seat, with the party’s majority in the chamber not at risk in the recent election.

The 20th District, encompassing parts of Bakersfield and Fresno in the Central Valley farm belt, is the most Republican-leaning House seat in heavily Democratic California.

With early returns showing Fong, Boudreaux, and Democrat Marisa Wood leading the race, the outcome is awaited eagerly as a potential test of Trump’s influence heading into the upcoming general election against President Joe Biden.

McCarthy’s resignation as House Speaker resulted in a contentious battle to succeed him, involving a lawsuit and exposing divisions within the GOP.

Currently, Republicans hold only 11 of California’s 52 House seats, with McCarthy’s former seat remaining vacant.

The special election, focusing on completing McCarthy’s term until early next year, is unlikely to see any candidate securing over 50% of the vote, leading to a runoff on May 21 if necessary.

Backed by Trump and boasting endorsements from prominent figures like Ric Grenell and Shannon Grove, Fong and Boudreaux, both staunch conservatives, are key figures in the race.

While Fong is aligned with McCarthy and emphasizes his leadership experience, Boudreaux, with a law enforcement background, highlights his record in keeping communities secure.

The major focus of the election revolves around the nation’s border issues, with Kern County being critical for Fong and Tulare and Kings counties significant for Boudreaux.

Fresno County, where Fong and Boudreaux were closely matched in the previous primary, could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the election.