California voters are set to participate in a special election to choose a replacement for former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who resigned in December and was ousted as speaker. The race in the Bakersfield-area 20th District is between two Republicans, state Assemblyman Vince Fong and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux. The winner will serve the remainder of McCarthy’s term in Congress. California’s top-two primary system means that all candidates, regardless of party, appear on the same primary ballot. Fong won the most votes in the primary but did not reach a majority, making him the favorite in the upcoming special election. This race will give Washington Republicans a win, helping to pad their slim majority in Congress.
In addition to the special election in California, voters will also head to the polls in four other states – Kentucky, Georgia, Idaho, and Oregon – for primary elections. In Kentucky’s 4th District, GOP Rep. Thomas Massie won a primary victory over two challengers, despite recent conflicts with powerful Republicans and a past clash with former President Donald Trump. Rep. Mike Simpson in Idaho is also facing a Republican primary challenge. Trump’s endorsement is on the line in an open House race in Georgia’s 3rd District, where his former White House political director is running. Democrats in Oregon are hoping to secure their preferred candidates in competitive districts.
The primary elections in these states will set up matchups in key battlegrounds and settle intraparty feuds. Georgia’s Fulton County District Attorney, Fani Willis, is facing her own primary while overseeing Trump’s election interference case in the state. Conservative state Supreme Court Justice Andrew Pinson is facing a challenge from former Democratic Rep. John Barrow on the issue of abortion rights. Primaries in Oregon will decide the matchups in three competitive districts, with national Democrats striving to get their preferred candidates elected. The race in Oregon’s 3rd District includes top contender Susheela Jayapal, sister of Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal.
Poll closing times vary by state, with Kentucky closing at 6 or 7 p.m. ET, Georgia at 7 p.m. ET, Idaho at 10 or 11 p.m. ET, and California at 11 p.m. ET. Oregon conducts its elections entirely by mail, with ballots needing to be returned or postmarked by 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday. These primary elections will help shape the political landscape in these states and across the country, as parties battle for control of Congress and key local positions.
Overall, the special election in California to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy will impact the balance of power in the House of Representatives. Other primary elections in states like Kentucky, Georgia, Idaho, and Oregon will set the stage for key matchups and resolve internal party disputes. Voters will have the opportunity to choose their representatives and shape the future direction of their states in these elections. Additionally, high-profile contests and endorsements, such as in Georgia’s 3rd District and Idaho, will test the influence of certain political figures and groups. The outcome of these primary elections will have broad implications at the local and national levels.
