BAKERSFIELD—Assemblymember Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) emerged victorious in the race for the 20th Congressional District, which includes parts of Kern, Tulare, Kings, and Fresno counties.
In the May 21 runoff election, Fong defeated Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, 39,232 votes (60.5%) to 25,687 (39.5%).
“I am filled with humility and gratitude tonight, as early results show that voters have overwhelmingly selected me to serve as their voice in Washing-ton, D.C.,” Fong said in a statement.
“With the campaign over, the real work now begins. In Congress, I will remain focused on solving the tough issues facing our community — securing the border, supporting small business, bringing investment in water storage and infrastructure, unleashing our energy industry, and keeping the United States safe amidst the grave security threats facing our nation.
“Now is the time to unite and work together to fight for our way of life.”
Fong will serve the remaining term of former Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R), who gave up his seat in December after being ousted as speaker of the House. Fong, who served as an aide to McCarthy, was endorsed by the former speaker as well as presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.
When he runs for a full two-year term in November, Fong is expected to face Boudreaux again.
In the March 19 primary, Fong and Boudreaux were the top vote-getters among nine candidates with 42.3% and 25.8% of the vote, respectively. The runoff was held because neither candidate receive more than 50% of the vote.
When he announced his candidacy, Fong said, “It is my strong belief that the Central Valley must continue to be represented by proven, conservative leaders in Congress.”
Cities in the district include Clovis, Tehachapi, Ridgecrest, Taft, Lemoore, the west and northeast sides of Bakersfield, the south side of Visalia, the northeast side of Tulare, the north side of Hanford, and a sliver of northeastern Fresno.
With McCarthy’s seat remaining in GOP hands, Republicans will have 12 out of 52 seats in California’s congressional delegation. Fong’s win will help Republicans maintain their narrow majority over Democrats in the House, which currently stands at 217 to 213 with five vacancies, including the 20th Congressional District.
Born and raised in Bakersfield, Fong earned a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and master’s from Princeton University. He started his career with Rep. Bill Thomas, chair of the Ways and Means Committee. For nearly a decade, Fong served as the district director to McCarthy, who was House majority leader before becoming speaker.
First elected to the Assembly in 2016, Fong represents District 32, which includes parts of Kern and Tulare counties. Committee assignments during his current term include Budget (vice chair), Health, Insurance, Privacy and Consumer Protection, Public Employment and Retirement, Transportation (vice chair), Arts, and Legislative Budget.