California Schedules Special Election to Fill Former Speaker McCarthy's House Seat

Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) addresses reporters on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, a few hours after losing his position as Speaker.Photo byJ. Scott Applewhite

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a special election date, scheduled for mid-March, to fill the vacant U.S. House seat left by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the 20th Congressional District. The primary for this district's contest is set for March 19, with a potential runoff scheduled for May 21 if no candidate secures a majority in the initial vote.

The 20th Congressional District, predominantly Republican and centred in Bakersfield, spans various counties in California's agricultural heartland and is anticipated to remain under GOP control.

McCarthy's decision to step down in December followed his removal as House Speaker two months earlier. This unexpected conclusion marked a significant chapter in his political career, having risen from a deli counter owner to hold a prominent position in state and national politics. However, his ouster by a group of hard-right conservatives in October made him the only speaker in history to be removed from office.

Governor Newsom strategically scheduled the special election two weeks after the state's presidential primary on March 5. This timing allows candidates a sufficient campaigning window to vie for the vacant seat and minimizes potential voter confusion between the special election and the primary for the presidential race as well as other 2024 elections for state legislative seats.

The term for McCarthy's vacated seat is effective until January 2025, prompting a rush among potential replacements. However, legal complications have emerged in this process. A state judge's ruling permitted Republican Assemblyman Vince Fong, considered a McCarthy protege, to appear on the ballot for the vacant seat, despite previously filing for reelection to his Assembly seat. This decision is currently under appeal by the state.