Fong closer to filling ex-Speaker McCarthy’s vacant seat in California

Republican Vince Fong has moved closer toward filling out the rest of former House Kevin McCarthy’s term in California’s 20th Congressional District.

Backed by Mr. McCarthy and former President Donald Trump, Mr. Fong, a state lawmaker, outpaced his closest rival in Tuesday’s special primary election by double digits but failed to cross the 50% threshold required to win the seat outright.

Mr. Fong, a one-time McCarthy aide, was still waiting Wednesday to see whom he would face in the May 21 special election determining who will hold the seat through January.

The seat, which runs through the Central Valley farm belt, opened up last year after Mr. McCarthy resigned after getting booted from the speakership by a group of renegade Republicans. The seat remains vacant.

Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, also a Republican, and Marissa Wood, a Democrat, were battling it out for second place.

The contest came two weeks after a separate primary election was held to fill the seat for the full two-year term starting next year.

Mr. Fong and Mr. Boudreaux were the top two vote-getters and will face off in the November election.