Newsom Announces Special Election to Replace Prominent Republican

Clear Facts

• California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the dates for a special election to fill the seat left vacant by former Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
• The primary is set for March 19, with a special election to follow on May 21 if no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote in the primary.
• Several GOP candidates are competing for the seat, including Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux and businessman David Giglio. McCarthy has endorsed Assemblymember Vince Fong.

California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has officially set the dates for a special election to determine who will complete the remainder of former Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s term. McCarthy, a Republican representative for California’s 20th Congressional District, retired halfway through his term.

Newsom’s proclamation and accompanying statement revealed that the primary will take place on March 19. If necessary, a special election will follow on May 21. California’s primary system allows candidates from any party to compete for certain offices, including those in Congress. In special elections, a candidate can win outright in the primary with more than 50% of the vote. If no candidate reaches this threshold, a run-off will be held on the May date.

Newsom’s announcement confirms that the special election primary will not coincide with California’s 2024 primary, which is slated for March 5. McCarthy, who represented the Central Valley-area, stepped down from the House at the end of 2023, just a few months after losing the speakership in a no-confidence vote. His position was later filled by Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA), who was elected by his peers as the new speaker.

Upon announcing his departure in early December, McCarthy stated, “I will continue to recruit our country’s best and brightest to run for elected office. The Republican Party is expanding every day, and I am committed to lending my experience to support the next generation of leaders.”

Several Republican candidates are now vying to represent the GOP-leaning district, including Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux and David Giglio, a businessman running under an “America First” banner. McCarthy has thrown his support behind Assemblymember Vince Fong.

In the coming months, the GOP-led House will face challenges due to a shrinking Republican majority, which was already slim. This narrow margin is further strained by Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) temporarily stepping away from Washington to undergo a stem cell transplant as part of his cancer treatment.

In December, lawmakers voted to expel Rep. George Santos (R-NY), with a special election for his seat scheduled for mid-February. Additionally, Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH) is expected to depart on January 21 to assume the presidency of Youngstown State University.

Meanwhile, Congress is currently dealing with several pressing issues, such as negotiating a spending deal to prevent a government shutdown, a border security agreement linked to aid for U.S. allies, and impeachment proceedings against President Joe Biden and Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.

Clear Thoughts (op-ed)

Newsom’s announcement of the special election dates is more than just a procedural formality. It’s a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle within the Republican party – a struggle between the old guard and the rising tide of ‘America First’ conservatives.

Candidates like Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux and businessman David Giglio are the new faces of this struggle. They represent a fresh, America-first approach that is increasingly resonating with voters.

The endorsement of Assemblymember Vince Fong by McCarthy, however, suggests an attempt to maintain the status quo. But is the status quo what we need?

We need leaders who are willing to challenge the establishment, not ones who are part of it. As conservatives, it’s time we back candidates who put America’s interests first and are not afraid to shake up the system.

This special election is not just about filling a vacant seat. It’s about the future direction of the Republican party and, indeed, our great nation. Will we choose the path of ‘America First’ or will we stick to business as usual? Only time will tell.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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