California’s Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, has scheduled a mid-March special election to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. (Photo: PAhomepage)
State Governor Sets Date to Replace Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Historic Contest
Special election set for California US House seat left vacant by McCarthy’s departure. California’s Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, has scheduled a mid-March special election to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Gavin Newsom scheduled the 20th Congressional District primary for March 19 with a May 21 runoff if no candidate wins a majority. This Republican district, based in Bakersfield and includes numerous inner farm belt counties, is anticipated to stay GOP.
The statement follows McCarthy’s resignation two months after his historic House speaker ouster. He was ousted as speaker by hard-right conservatives, ending his spectacular House tenure. The special election is two weeks after the state’s March 5 presidential primary, giving candidates more time to campaign for the vacant seat and reduce voter confusion with the presidential primary and other 2024 contests, including state legislative seats.
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The extraordinary election has spurred a surge of contenders to replace McCarthy, with the competition proceeding in court. A state judge earlier determined that McCarthy’s protégé’s residency prevented him from running. McCarthy’s seat term runs through January 2025, emphasizing the election’s impact on California politics.
The nation watches the 20th Congressional District prepare for a new political chapter as the state prepares for this historic event.
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