Vince Fong replaces Kevin McCarthy in House seat.
Assembly member Vince Fong, hailing from California, was recently sworn into Congress after a special election victory to complete the term of the former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Fong, a Republican, previously served in the California State Assembly before making the transition to the House of Representatives. He received strong backing from former President Donald Trump and McCarthy himself, who witnessed the swearing-in ceremony in person from the House floor, solidifying the Republicans’ majority to 218-213.
During his campaign, Fong emphasized key issues that resonated with his constituents in the Central Valley. Concerns regarding the U.S.-Mexico border, the increasing costs of everyday essentials, and the need to ensure community safety were at the forefront of his priorities. Fong expressed a deep commitment to finding solutions and delivering tangible results to address these pressing matters.
The special election saw Fong triumph over his opponent, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, in the 20th Congressional District, located in California’s agricultural heartland. McCarthy, notably the only speaker in history to be ousted from the position, eventually chose to resign rather than completing his term after facing a historic vote of no confidence. Despite this setback, McCarthy actively supported Fong’s candidacy, with a political action committee linked to him funneling over $700,000 into the 20th District race to bolster Fong’s campaign.
Expressing gratitude towards McCarthy, Fong highlighted the former speaker as both a mentor and a friend, acknowledging his decades-long dedication to serving the constituents of the Central Valley and the nation at large. Fong’s entry into Congress marks a new chapter in his political career, poised to tackle the critical issues facing his district with a sense of purpose and determination.
