Vince Fong is now officially Congressman Fong.
Fong, a Republican from Bakersfield who served in the state Assembly, ran against Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux for the 20th seat in Congress. Both Valley men have been campaigning in the Valley in recent months, competing for voters, donors and support.
Both men won the March primary before a runoff in Tuesday’s special election to replace retired Congressman Kevin McCarthy.
McCarthy, 59, announced in December his plans to retire from Congress at the end of the year after more than a decade serving in the House of Representatives ended with party rifts and a handful of Republican rebels who calling for his removal.
He supported Fong in the race.
“I am filled with humility and gratitude tonight as the early results show that voters have overwhelmingly chosen me to serve as their voice in Washington, DC,” Fong said. “Now that the campaign is over, the real work begins. In Congress, I will remain focused on solving the tough problems facing our community – securing the border, supporting small businesses, bringing investments to water storage and infrastructure, unleashing our energy industry and keeping the United States safe amid the serious security threats facing our society. nation.
“Now is the time to unite and work together to fight for our way of life.”
Tuesday’s results were still coming in, with both candidates switching leads several times, although larger swaths of Fong’s precincts had yet to be reported.
Boudreaux, who has been sheriff for nearly a decade and had strong support in the northern part of the county, could not overcome Fong’s base in Bakersfield.
He conceded to Fong on Tuesday night after seeing early results statewide. He carried Tulare County with almost 70% of the vote and split Kings County 50% each.
“I started this campaign in December because we faced a crisis: the very real potential of losing critical, seasoned representation in Congress at a time when the public safety of our region and our country is under threat the sheriff said. “Over the next six months, I have been absolutely humbled by the outpouring of support from family, friends and neighbors in Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern counties who have volunteered their time and energy to our campaign and donated generously to support the campaign. to spread. our message for a better valley.”
The California GOP released a statement shortly after the statewide results started rolling in.
“Congratulations to Congressman-elect Vince Fong on his resounding victory tonight in CA-20. He has already been a champion for Central Valley families in the California State Legislature, and I know he will do an excellent job now that he will represent their interests in Washington, DC. I look forward to seeing him advocate for critical water and energy resources, fight to protect our southern border, and hold the failing Biden administration accountable for their reckless spending that has fueled inflation across the country.”
The solidly Republican district is anchored in Bakersfield, which bisects parts of several inland counties in the state, including Visalia and Tulare County.
McCarthy announced in early December that he would resign, two months after his historic ouster as Speaker of the House of Representatives. The announcement marked a stunning end to a career in the House of Representatives for the former deli owner, who rose through state and national politics to second in line for president until a cluster of far-right conservatives forced his resignation achieved in October.
McCarthy is the only speaker in history to be voted out of office.
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Fong, Boudreaux take on 20th Congressional District
