Endorsements are starting to come in now that the field is set for the 20th Congressional District race.
Candidates only have a couple months to sway voters in the March 5 primary as they attempt to succeed Speaker Emeritus Kevin McCarthy.
The big picture: Wednesday, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux announced three endorsements from retired and current elected officials.
- Former Rep. Connie Conway (R – Tulare), who also served as the Republican Leader in the California Assembly from 2010-2014, threw her support behind Boudreaux.
- Boudreaux also was endorsed by Asm. Devon Mathis (R–Visalia), who is retiring at the end of his term, and former Sen. Andy Vidak (R–Orosi).
The other side: Hours later, Asm. Vince Fong (R–Bakersfield), who won his lawsuit against the state last week to appear on the ballot for Congress, announced Wednesday that Clovis Mayor Lynne Ashbeck has endorsed him.
- Candidate David Giglio had previously announced endorsements from conservative consultant Roger Stone and former National Security Advisor General Michael Flynn, who served under President Trump.
- Kyle Kirkland, the owner of Fresno’s Club One Casino, launched his campaign for Congress Wednesday as well.
What they’re saying: Mathis said in a statement that there would be no better leader to represent the Central Valley than Boudreaux.
- “Today, we face a worsening fentanyl crisis and surging gang violence originating from our southern border. Meanwhile, Washington is working non-stop to strip us of the rights critical to protecting our families,” Mathis said. “Sheriff Boudreaux has spent his entire life fighting to keep us safe and protecting the Second Amendment. In Congress, I know he won’t shy away from fighting for what’s right and delivering for the Valley.”
- Ashbeck said in a statement, “Vince Fong has been fighting for the Central Valley and delivering results throughout his entire career. He understands the issues we face in Clovis and will be our best advocate. I know that Vince will represent our community well in Congress, which is why he has my full support and endorsement.”
