With two weeks to the March 5 primary, former President Donald Trump weighed-in to issue an endorsement in the 20th Congressional District, with nearly a dozen candidates vying to succeed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R–Bakersfield).
The former President announced he is backing Asm. Vince Fong (R–Bakersfield), McCarthy’s longtime political protege.
Driving the news: Trump’s endorsement comes after a week of momentum for Fong’s principal opponent – Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux – who picked up the surprise backing of State Sen. Shannon Grove and Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood.
- The endorsements sent two contenders – David Giglio and TJ Esposito – to drop out of the race and endorse him.
What they’re saying: “State Assemblyman Vince Fong is running in the Primary and Special Election for California’s 20th Congressional District. Vince was one of only 6 Republicans in the State Assembly to stand with me, and reject the Second Impeachment Hoax,” Trump said in a post to Truth Social. “In Congress, Vince will work with me to Grow the Economy, Lower your Taxes, Cut Burdensome Regulations, Champion American Energy, and Protect and Defend the Second Amendment, which is under siege by the Radical Left. There are 11 candidates running in this “Jungle Primary” (including a wonderful man who recently withdrew), but now is the time to unite around Vince Fong and elect a true Republican to this seat. I am proud to join California’s Republican Congressional Delegation, and give Vince Fong my Complete and Total Endorsement!”
