California state Rep. Vince Von won a special election Tuesday to fill out the unexpired term of ousted former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
If Fong takes office, he could add some cushion to the Republican Party’s narrow majority in the House.
The House Republican conference has been locked in a 217-213 majority in recent weeks, meaning Republicans can afford to lose one vote on any bill if Democrats vote along party lines. ing.
With McCarthy’s old seat filled, four seats remain in the House.
Mr. McCarthy, 59, resigned from Congress last October, weeks after all eight Republicans and all Democrats in the House voted to remove him from the speakership.
Mr. Fong, 44, has been endorsed by both Mr. McCarthy and former President Donald Trump in the special election, with the presumptive Republican presidential candidate calling him a “true Republican.” There is.
“I am humbled and grateful tonight,” Fong said in his victory statement.
“The election campaign is over and now the real work begins,” he added. “In Congress, I am committed to securing our borders, supporting small businesses, investing in water storage and infrastructure, revitalizing our energy industry, and keeping America safe amid the grave security threats we face. We remain focused on solving the tough issues facing our communities.” Our Nation. ”
“Now is the time to come together and work together to fight for our way of life.”
Fong defeated fellow Republican and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreau in the 20th Congressional District election by a margin of 60.3% to 39.7%.
Mr. Boudreau had the support of Richard Grenell, a former acting director of national intelligence in the Trump administration, and Republican state Sen. Shannon Grove, who represents Mr. Fong’s Bakersfield district.
California voters will choose again in November to see whether Fong or Boudreau will serve a full two-year term.
