In a special election for the 20th Congressional District seat in California, two Republican candidates, State Assembly member Vince Fong and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, are vying to complete the remainder of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s term. Backed by former President Donald Trump, Fong and Boudreaux are competing in a heavily Republican district in the state’s Central Valley farm belt. This race has gained national attention as it may serve as a proxy vote on Trump’s influence leading up to the 2024 election.
With only 11 out of 52 U.S. House seats held by Republicans in California, the outcome of this special election will have a significant impact on the representation of the GOP in the state delegation. The winner will provide the party with an additional vote in Congress, bolstering their fragile edge in legislative decision-making. The special election covers the remaining time in McCarthy’s term, with both Fong and Boudreaux set to face off again in November for a full two-year term. The winner of the special election will hold the advantage of incumbency.
Both candidates, Fong and Boudreaux, are conservative Republicans aligned with Trump’s policies. Boudreaux is focusing on his law enforcement experience and pledges to strengthen border security, while Fong aims to address issues such as border chaos and prioritize water and energy needs in the farm belt. Fong, who was a former aide to McCarthy and has received endorsements from both Trump and the former House Speaker, holds an advantage in fundraising and local support. McCarthy’s fall from the speakership has led to a messy race to succeed him, with rivalries within the Republican party coming to light.
The stakes are high in this special election, as it could potentially shift the balance of power within California’s representation in Congress. Trump’s endorsement of Fong has added to the significance of this race, with political heavyweights from both sides of the spectrum backing their preferred candidate. A light turnout is expected, but the outcome will be closely watched as a barometer of Trump’s influence ahead of the 2024 election. Ultimately, the voters in the 20th District will decide who will represent them in Congress and shape the future of Republican leadership in the state.
