Atascadero, California – In a highly anticipated showdown, two Republican candidates are gearing up for a fierce competition to fill the vacant House seat left behind by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) since December.
The race for California’s 20th District will see County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux and state legislator Vince Fong go head-to-head in a May 21st special election. Boudreaux is emphasizing his law enforcement background and commitment to securing the U.S.-Mexico border, while Fong has garnered significant support, including endorsements from former President Trump and McCarthy himself.
The district, encompassing parts of Fresno and Bakersfield, is considered a stronghold for Republicans in the typically blue state of California. This development comes after McCarthy was ousted from his leadership position following a historic motion to vacate and subsequently announced his plan to retire from Congress at the end of 2023.
Scheduled for May 21st, California voters will have the opportunity to decide who will complete the remainder of the term, granting the winner a valuable advantage as a de facto incumbent for a period of time. Fong initially faced ineligibility for the seat due to running for reelection in his assembly seat, but a subsequent ruling reversed this decision, citing restrictions on independent candidates only.
Trump’s endorsement of Fong as a “true” Republican, coupled with support from GOP colleagues in the state legislature, has bolstered his campaign. Meanwhile, Boudreaux has secured backing from former Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell and local endorsements, ensuring a competitive race between the two candidates.