OPINION: Rep. Kevin McCarthy Naming ‘Heir-Apparent’ Will Only Exacerbate Politically Turbulent Environment

Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s exit from the House doesn’t just leave a weaker Republican majority in DC. It also leaves the Central Valley in a politically turbulent environment. The R+16 district is unique in California, and is almost guaranteed to elect a Republican. This leaves an attractive vacuum for every near-by candidate to rush in and try to claim the “heir-apparent” status. America-First business owner, David Giglio, as well as Matthew Piatt and Nathaniel Bruce already entered the 2024 field prior to McCarthy’s departure. Heavy rumors were that State Senator Shannon Grove was going to run for McCarthy’s seat. But as of December 11th, 2023  Senator Grove declined to run. Assemblyman Vince Fong just announced he will run for CA-20.

Fresh candidates like Giglio, who tap into the younger conservative base, should be supported by the CAGOP, lifted-up, and sent into blue districts with the backing to win. Grove is a conservative warrior with an outstanding record in Sacramento. The newest addition, Fong, has a similarly great record, and is a fellow UCLA grad who I have a lot of respect for. The absolute worst-case scenario is that a mob of great conservative candidates swarm into McCarthy’s district and tear each other down. 

The district will elect a Republican either way. All California Republicans will have to show for it, in the end, is a group of weakened Valley candidates and a collection of lost purple Congressional, Senate, and Assembly districts that didn’t get the attention they needed, because CAGOP and voters were focused on the side-show in CA-20.   

This is why comments, like from California Assembly Republican Caucus Chief of Staff George Andrews, worry me: “Shannon Grove will destroy any human being dumb enough to run against her. Anyone who files against her deserves everything that is straight at them.  Don’t say you didn’t get a warning.”

Andrews is justified to support Grove in the position. As I said before, Grove has an amazing record and reputation in Sacramento, but I think more highly of her to believe that she would “destroy” future conservative valley leaders. That kind of rhetoric is exactly the kind of side-show to avoid. Republicans need to “destroy” the Democratic Candidates. (Note: Now that Grove is out and Fong is running I hope that’s the end of that rhetoric from prominent California Republicans)

Unfiltered Opinion:

Shannon Grove will destroy any human being dumb enough to run against her.

Anyone who files against her deserves everything that is coming straight at them. Don’t say you didn't get a warning.

— George Andrews (@gjandrews) December 7, 2023

As for Congressman Kevin McCarthy, I disagree with some who claim that McCarthy naming his preferred successor will clear up the confusion. I believe McCarthy naming support for someone in CA-23 will only stir the pot further. If McCarthy means it when he says the next step of his career is to lend his “experience to support the next generation of leaders,” then his influence is better utilized supporting Republican challengers in Democratic districts.

Congressman McCarthy and the CAGOP should spend the next year with specific focus on supporting Michael Maher’s campaign to oust Jim Costa in CA-21.