State Assemblymember Vince Fong has won a special election to replace his former boss, Kevin McCarthy, in California’s 20th Congressional District.

McCarthy stepped down from the post late last year after his colleagues voted to boot him from the position of House speaker.

This week’s special election pitted Fong, who once served as an aide to McCarthy, against fellow Republican and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux. 

The two shared similar platforms, promising to be tough on crime and to crack down on an influx of illegal immigrants at the border. 

However, Fong was nearly assured victory once he clinched an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. 

Boudreaux performed well on his home turf in Tulare County but struggled to win votes in the other three counties that make up this Central Valley District: Kings, Kern and Fresno. 

San Joaquin Valley political expert Tal Eslick said that was an especially big challenge for Boudreaux given the short duration of this special election. 

Eslick also notes that this predominantly Republican region, where oil and agriculture dominate, is quite different from many other Congressional districts in the Golden State. 

“The San Joaquin Valley is unique. We do feel left behind,” Eslick said. "Those elected officials or candidates who can really make a case that they can be champions for this region are usually rewarded with support from the voters at the ballot box.”

Fong will now serve the remainder of McCarthy’s term through early next year. 

He’ll also likely have an advantage this fall when he runs again for a full term in Congress. 

Meanwhile, to the north, justices in California’s Supreme Court heard arguments for and against Proposition 22 — the statewide ballot measure voters approved in 2020. Proposition 22 allows certain companies such as Uber, Lyft, Doordash and Postmates to keep workers classified as independent contractors. This despite legislation known as AB 5, which lists many gig workers as employees.

Critics of Proposition 22 say it’s unconstitutional since it interferes with the state Legislature’s ability to enforce worker’s compensation. 

Supporters counter that the initiative should remain because voters in the Golden State weigh in on any subject. 

The seven justices have 90 days to decide the matter, and many believe their decision could influence the fate of millions of gig workers throughout the nation.