Vince Fong’s name will appear twice on the November ballot, but the Bakersfield Republican is only seeking re-election to one office.
Following Kevin McCarthy’s untimely resignation from Congress late last year, Fong won a special election to fill out the remainder of the former representative’s term in Washington, DC.
But it was too late for Fong to officially abandon his bid for re-election to the California Assembly, where he served as representative for the 32nd District, so his name will also appear as a candidate for that race.
Yet Fong is only interested in seeking re-election in California’s 20th Congressional District, where he has served since June.
It should be an easy election for him, as Fong’s opponent – Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux – has dropped out of the race and endorsed Fong.
Like Fong’s name in the 32nd Assembly race, Boudreaux’s name will appear on the November ballot. But in July, Boudreaux released a video to his supporters suspending his campaign and throwing his support behind Fong.
Boudreaux, who did not respond to request for comment, said in the video that he has known Fong for years.
“While we have been on opposite sides of this campaign, ultimately we are Republicans, family men and fighters committed to protecting individual freedom, lowering the cost of living and maintaining safe communities for our citizens. neighbors,” Boudreaux said.
Democrat Marisa Wood came in third in the special primary, which saw Fong and Boudreaux as the top two, and the district leans heavily Republican, Kern County Democratic Party Chairman Christian Romo said.
“If you look at the numbers, it’s very, very difficult to overcome that,” Romo said of leading a Democrat in the district.
For now, Romo says Democrats are focusing their energy on more competitive districts, such as the nearby 21st Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford.
It could be advantageous to have a Republican representing the district if that party controls the House of Representatives, Romo said, but if Democrats manage to flip the chamber in the November elections, that could change.
“If (Fong) could work across party lines, we are more than willing to do so; that is ultimately the job,” Romo said. “That’s what we want. We’re not going to agree on politics, but if you’re doing something for the people of Kern County, that should be the focus.”
After his appointment to Congress, Fong was assigned seats on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
In Congress, Fong has sponsored bills to support artificial intelligence education and settle the Tule River Tribe’s water rights claims.
On September 24, the House of Representatives passed the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which included a Fong amendment authorizing the creation of the Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonics, or MACH, program, focused on Edwards Air Force Base in eastern Kern County.
Despite not having an active opposition, Fong said he plans to campaign for his seat in Congress.
“We are not taking anything for granted and are using this election as an opportunity to connect with residents and discuss the work I have done since winning the special election earlier this year,” Fong said in an email.
Republicans must secure a majority in the House of Representatives to advance priorities such as budget discipline, public safety and the southern border.
“The chaos at the southern border must end. It is a direct threat to our national security when thousands of migrants flood the border every day,” Fong said. “To solve this crisis, we must empower Border Patrol agents in the field to do their jobs, build a stronger wall, hire more agents and invest in surveillance and monitoring technology.”
Fong also cited public safety as a priority for his return to Congress and said he supports California Proposition 36, which would establish harsher penalties for theft and drug crimes.
