Two Republicans will compete in a runoff in May to win former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) House seat, which has been vacant since December.
Sheriff Mike Boudreaux will challenge state legislator Vince Fong in the special election on May 21 in California’s 20th District.
Boudreaux has emphasized his law enforcement background and mainly campaigned to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border. Fong, who came in first place in both the March primary for the 2024 election and the special election, has gained significant endorsements, including former President Trump and McCarthy.
The district, covering parts of Fresno and Bakersfield, is a firmly Republican seat in a predominantly Democratic California.
The news comes more than five months after McCarthy was removed from his leadership position following a historic motion to vacate. Shortly after being ousted as Speaker, he announced he would leave Congress at the end of 2023.
California voters will go to the polls on May 21, as set by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, to determine who will complete the term. The winner will have an advantage as a de facto incumbent for some time.
Fong had initially been deemed ineligible for the seat, as he was running for reelection to his assembly seat and state law prohibited a candidate from running two campaigns. A California judge later overturned the ruling, stating that it applied only to independent candidates.
Trump labeled Fong a “true” Republican when he endorsed him last month. The state lawmaker has also garnered support from his GOP colleagues in the state chamber.
Boudreaux has also received backing from individuals associated with Trump, earning support from former Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell, but has also gathered local endorsements.
