Former Assemblyman Vince Fong Sworn In As Congressional Replacement For Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) swore in Congressman Vince Fong (R-CA) on Monday, increasing California’s Congressional delegation by one Republican and giving the GOP back their two vote advantage in the House.

For months, Fong faced numerous political and legal challenges over running for the special election. As he had gotten his name on the special election ballot late, Fong was listed for both Congress and the Assembly at the same time. Secretary of State Shirley Weber argued that this was against state law. However, Fong kept winning in court to stay on both ballots. This included a Sacramento Superior Court ruling in December and an Appeals court ruling last month. Meanwhile, Fong easily came in first in the run-off election in March, and stood to face Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux (R) in the special election come May.

Last month, everything came together for Fong. Weber, with no legal recourse remaining, ended her pursuit of Fong early in May. Then, on May 21st, Fong beat Boudreaux in the special election with over 60% of the total vote. Needing to fill the seat fast, Fong took quick action, announcing his resignation from the Assembly shortly afterwards, with his final day in the Assembly being Friday the 24th. For the last few weeks, Fong has planned his move up to the House, culminating on his swearing-in in Washington on Monday.

Sworn in. Now let’s get to work! pic.twitter.com/MDqy6Rh3oJ

— Vince Fong (@vfong) June 4, 2024

“I’m truly honored, humbled and grateful to be given this opportunity by the voters to serve and be a strong voice for our region,” said Fong in Washington on Monday. “I’d like to also thank former Speaker McCarthy, who worked tirelessly for decades for the constituents of the Central Valley of California. I know that our concerns are very familiar with the current concerns that all of you have heard, we must do more to find solutions and deliver results.

“I look forward to serving and working alongside all of you to address our nation’s challenges and to ensure that the voice of the congressional district and my neighbors that have entrusted me are heard every single day in these halls of Congress. We can tackle these challenges head-on and leave a better and stronger America for future generations.”

Congressman Fong will have only a few months in office to fill out the remainder of McCarthy’s term before a November election to get a full term for the seat. Fong is to face Boudreaux again. However, Fong is now the heavy favorite to win. He won 42% to 26% against Boudreaux in the March primary, and is expected to have a large majority as he will be entering the race as the now-incumbent.

“Barring some sort of big unforeseen disaster, Fong is all but certain to win this November,” said Central Valley pollster Oscar Salazar to the Globe on Monday. “Boudreaux has his supporters. He got second for a reason. But has has too much momentum now, and is also very well known to the people of his district here. It’s his to lose really.”

Fong will serve the remainder of McCarthy’s term officially now, with the term to end in January 2025.