California Special Election for McCarthy's Seat Heads to Runoff

The race to replace former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California's 20th District will extend another two months after no candidate secured over 50% in the special primary.

State Assemblyman Vince Fong, endorsed by both McCarthy and Trump, failed to secure the 50% needed to win outright, leading to a May 21 runoff.
Fong, Republican Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, and Democrat Marisa Wood are the top contenders in the heavily Republican-leaning district.
The special election's outcome is a bellwether for Trump's influence as he eyes a rematch against President Biden.
McCarthy's resignation after being ousted as Speaker has left the GOP with a slim majority in the House, highlighting internal divisions.
The district, spanning the Central Valley farm belt, is the most strongly Republican House seat in heavily Democratic California.