California Governor Gavin Newsom has set a date for the special election to fill the Congressional seat formerly held by Kevin McCarthy.
McCarthy left the United States House of Representatives at the end of December after a tumultuous year that included his removal as Speaker of the House after roughly 10 months.
A special election will be held on May 21 in California’s 20th congressional district. A primary will take place on March 19. The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of McCarthy’s term. An election for the next full term will be held in November and begin in January 2025.
Assemblymember Vince Fong, former congressional candidate David Giglio and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux have already announced campaigns for the congressional seat, per CBS News.
“It is my strong belief that the Central Valley must continue to be represented by proven, conservative leaders in Congress,” said Fong in his announcement on Dec. 11. “In Congress, I will focus on the pressing issues impacting our quality of life.”
McCarthy has endorsed Fong, who previously worked as his district director.
“There is no one that I trust more to continue the fight for common-sense and conservative values in Washington DC,” said McCarthy, per ABC30.
Boudreaux stressed his experience in law enforcement and his dedication to creating a safe community.
“We deserve experienced, conservative leadership in Congress with a record of accomplishment,” said Boudreaux, per Fox26 News. "I have seen the devastating impacts of President Biden’s Open Door Policy at our southern border here in the San Joaquin Valley and firsthand at the border itself. … I will fight to strengthen our border and restore fairness to our immigration system.”
David Giglio, who runs a sports card and memorabilia business, announced he would challenge McCarthy in October of 2023. He describes himself as an “America First” Republican and McCarthy as a member of the “corrupt uniparty.”
"After years of being sold out to special interests, the people of the Central Valley deserve an America First Republican fighting for them in Washington and working alongside President Donald Trump to WAGE WAR against the corrupt uniparty!" said Giglio, per Newsweek.
California will hold its regular 2024 primary on March 5.
McCarthy was first elected to Congress in 2006 after serving for four years in the California State Assembly. He was elected Speaker of the House after an unprecedented 15 rounds of voting. He held a number of leadership positions including House Majority Whip in 2010, Majority Leader in 2014, and House Republican Leader in 2018.
"The most reliable solution to what ails America is before our eyes: everyday men and women who are raising families, showing up for work, volunteering, and pursuing the American Dream with passion and purpose,” said McCarthy when he announced he would leave the House before the end of his term. “Despite the best attempts by special interest groups and the news media to divide us, I have seen the goodness of the American people. They are what will ultimately uphold the enduring values of our great nation."
McCarthy said that he had "decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways" and that his work "is only getting started."
