Voters in the 32nd Assembly District will finally have a clean opportunity to pick a successor to Rep. Vince Fong (R–Bakersfield) in April.
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation setting the special election for Fong’s old seat for April 29, 2025.
Flashback: Fong resigned from the seat last May after he won a special election to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the House.
- He was still listed on the ballot for Assembly in November, however, and Bakersfield City Councilman Ken Weir only picked up around 40% of the vote, leaving the seat vacant.
The big picture: Along with the special election date being set, Bakersfield businessman Stan Ellis formally launched his campaign for the seat.
- Ellis previously filed campaign finance paperwork last month and made his announcement official on Wednesday. He is the only candidate to enter the race.
Zoom in: Ellis filed to run against Fong and many other candidates in the special election to succeed McCarthy last March, but abandoned his bid after Fong’s legal status on the ballot was confirmed by the Sacramento County Superior Court.
- He founded quantum physics lab Quibitekk, which works with the federal government on cybersecurity issues.
State of play: The endorsements have already rolled in for Ellis, with Fong, Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford), Sen. Shannon Grove (R–Bakersfield) and Asm. Alexandra Macedo (R–Tulare) supporting him.
- Ellis also won the support of former Rep. Connie Conway (R–Tulare), Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer, Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh and others.
What they’re saying: Ellis said Democrats and Newsom have consistently failed the Central Valley, saying they have prioritized “radical agendas” while working families struggle with high gas prices and the high cost of living.
- “We need strong voices in Sacramento who will fight back against these destructive policies and stand up for our values and our communities,” Ellis said. “I’m running to defend our way of life and address the real issues facing our Valley – securing our borders, protecting our water and energy resources, improving rural healthcare, and investing in our children’s future.”
- Fong praised Ellis for his track record of creating jobs and solving problems in the community.
- “He knows how to get things done and will fight for policies that support small businesses, farmers, and families in the Central Valley,” Fong said. “Stan is exactly the kind of leader we need in Sacramento.”
