Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is set to leave office at the end of the month. That leaves a big group of prospective candidates vying for his seat in Congress.
Leading Republican names being thrown around include:
- Current U.S. Congressman, John Duarte
- Declared Candidate, David Giglio
- State Senator, Shannon Grove
- Former U.S. Congressman, Devin Nunes
- Current U.S. Congressman, David Valadao
A name widely believed to be a leading candidate was Assemblyman Vince Fong. However, Fong announced that he will not be running for McCarthy's seat in 2024. That leaves State Senator Shannon Grove as the leading Kern County Republican. Grove is believed to be considered the closest to McCarthy. Sonoma State Political Science Professor David McCuan said that McCarthy's endorsement will be desired.
"Shannon Grove [is someone] who Kevin McCarthy has a long relationship with and has been a conservative leader in Sacramento," McCuan said.
Given how 'red' the district is and that the race is an open primary, Political Strategist Rob Stutzman said voters may have a final choice between two Republicans.
"There is a real possibility here that you can be looking at a Republican versus Republican runoff next November," Stutzman said.
David Giglio is the only publicly declared candidate on that list. Giglio is running in the 'MAGA Republican' lane and his website claims endorsements from Michael Flynn and Roger Stone. Stutzman doubts someone running from the far-right can beat a McCarthy endorsement.
"I think the only chance for a 'MAGA-style' candidate is if you have multiple candidates that divide up an otherwise conventional type of Republican vote," Stutzman said. "Probably, the runoff would take care of that R versus R. McCarthy's endorsement will be coveted and will be substantial."
While Duarte and Valadao are currently serving in Congress, they represent districts that experts consider 'Toss-Up' seats as opposed to CA-20 which is considered 'Safe Republican'. Both Congressmen are located in the Central Valley with Valadao representing parts of Bakersfield and Kern County. Former Representative Devin Nunes' old district also included parts of the Central Valley. Nunes is currently employed by Former President Donald Trump's Truth Social company.
Professor Nathan Monroe, Director of the UC-Merced Center for Analytic Political Engagement, notes that the district map could lend for a creative candidacy from Duarte, Nunes or Valadao.
"If you look at the way the district is drawn it actually wraps around Fresno and almost touches the north end of Fresno and the north end of the county," Monroe said.
Monroe agrees with McCuan and Stutzman believing that the next officeholder for the 20th district will look a lot like a 'McCarthy-type' of Republican.
"I would expect that the candidate that replaces him in the seat should be pretty similar," Monroe said.
Candidates are being given an additional 5 days to file. The new filing deadline for the 20th district is Wednesday, December 13.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. --- (KBAK/FOX58) by William Silverstein, Eyewitness News
