Republican California state Rep. Vince Fong emerged victorious Tuesday in the special election race to complete the term of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Once sworn in, Fong will add some cushion to the slim Republican majority held in the House of Representatives.
The GOP conference in the House of Representatives has been saddled with a 217-213 majority in recent weeks, meaning the GOP could only afford to lose one vote on a bill if the Democrats vote along party lines.
With McCarthy’s old seat now occupied, four seats remain vacant in the lower house.
McCarthy, 59, resigned from Congress in the weeks after eight House Republicans and all Democrats voted to remove him from the presidency last October.
Fong, 44, received support from McCarthy and former President Donald Trump during his special election run, with the presumptive GOP presidential nominee calling the congressman a “true Republican.”
“I am filled with humility and gratitude tonight,” Fong said in a victory declaration.
“Once the campaign is over, the real work now begins,” he added. “In Congress, I will remain focused on solving the tough issues facing our community: securing the border, supporting small businesses, investing in water storage and infrastructure, unlocking our energy industry, and keeping states safe -United amid serious security threats. 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 Boudreaux in the 20th Congressional District race by a margin of 60.3% to 39.7%.
Boudreaux had been endorsed by Richard Grenell, acting director of national intelligence in the former Trump administration, and Republican Sen. Shannon Grove, who represents Fong’s Bakersfield district.
California voters will choose between Fong and Boudreaux again in November in an election that will determine who serves a full two-year term in Congress.
New York Post
