In California’s 20th Congressional District, the special primary election took place on Tuesday to determine the successor of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
According to projections from ABC News, State Assemblyman Vince Fong is poised to move forward to the special general election in May.
The race holds significant importance for Republicans, who are teetering on a razor’s edge of a slim majority in the House of Representatives.
Open to all registered voters in the district, the special election aims to fill the vacancy left by McCarthy, who departed Congress at the end of December.
Fong, backed by endorsements from McCarthy and former President Donald Trump, emerged as a leading candidate in the special primary, alongside Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux.
Facing a crowded field with nine candidates on the ballot, Fong and Boudreaux positioned themselves as frontrunners in the race.
Meanwhile, in Washington, the prospect of a runoff election could present challenges for congressional Republicans, who have encountered a series of high-profile retirements, including McCarthy and Colorado Rep. Ken Buck.
With Republicans currently holding a slim majority in the House, the departure of key members further underscores the importance of retaining seats through special elections.
As of the latest election, five House Republicans, including Buck, have resigned or been removed from office during this Congress, leaving Republicans with a limited margin for party-line votes on legislation.
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Beyond McCarthy’s vacancy, two other Republican seats remain unfilled, adding to the urgency for Republicans to secure wins in special elections.
Overall, the outcome of the special primary in California’s 20th District will play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape and dynamics within the House of Representatives.
