Two Republicans will compete in a runoff election in May to take former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) House seat, which has been open since December.
County Sheriff Mike Boudreau will face state Rep. Vince Fong in the May 21 special election for California’s 20th District.
Boudreau has touted his law enforcement background and campaigned primarily on efforts to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border. Fong, who came in first in both the March primary and special election for the 2024 presidential election, has garnered support from big names ranging from former President Trump to his former boss, McCarthy.
The district covers parts of Fresno and Bakersfield, a solidly Republican seat in California’s blue seat.
The news comes more than five months after McCarthy was ousted from his leadership role following his historic resignation motion. Shortly after being removed as speaker, he announced that he would leave parliament at the end of 2023.
California voters will head to the polls on May 21, set by California Governor Gavin Newsom to decide who will finish out his term. The winner will have the advantage of being the de facto incumbent for a while.
Mr. Fung was initially seeking re-election to the Congressional seat, which was ruled ineligible because state law prohibits candidates from campaigning twice. . A California judge later reversed the ruling, arguing that it applied only to independent candidates.
President Trump endorsed Fong last month, calling him a “true” Republican. The state lawmaker also drew support from his Republican colleagues in the state Legislature.
Boudreau has the backing of former Director of National Intelligence Rick Grenell and the backing of President Trump, but he also has local support.
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