As expected, Gov. Gavin Newsom will appoint a short-term successor to former Kern County Supervisor Zach Scrivner following his resignation, effective Friday.
The only twist: how long Newsom’s pick will last in the job.
Driving the news: Kern County Counsel confirmed to the Bakersfield Californian that the California Government Code requires Newsom to appoint someone to fill the vacancy until a qualified successor can be elected.
- While Scrivner’s seat isn’t technically up for election until 2026, a special election can be timed with the Nov. 5, 2024 presidential general election.
- Chairman David Couch of the Kern County Board of Supervisors plans to seek approval from his colleagues on Tuesday to authorize the Registrar of Voters to make the necessary preparations for candidates to file for the Nov. 5 election through the Aug. 9 deadline.
- It’s worth noting, however, that seats in which no incumbent is running have an filing extension through Aug. 14.