Assemblymember Vince Fong (left) announced on Dec. 11, 2023, that he intends to run for the seat of the Retiring Rep. Kevin McCarthy. Assemblymember Fong Facebook photo

A Central Valley Republican is looking to succeed his former boss, the retiring Rep. Kevin McCarthy, after previously announcing he would not be running for Congress. 

Assemblymember Vince Fong announced Monday that he will run to replace McCarthy as the representative for California’s 20th district. 

On Dec. 7, Fong released a statement saying after consultation with his family he wouldn’t seek McCarthy’s seat. 

But they changed their minds, according to Fong’s latest statement.

“After Speaker McCarthy announced his decision not to seek reelection, my family and I initially thought the best way to serve our community was to continue representing the Central Valley in the State Assembly. However, it is my strong belief that the Central Valley must continue to be represented by proven, conservative leaders in Congress. In light of recent developments and in an attempt to unite our community in this critical moment in our nation’s history, I have decided to run for Congress in 2024.

Fong said if elected he would focus on quality of life issues as well as water, energy and border security.

A Bakersfield native, Fong previously served as the district director to McCarthy, providing constituent services and managing federal public policy issues in the region for nearly a decade.

Fong is currently serving his fourth term in the Assembly representing District 32, which includes communities such as Exeter, Bakersfield, Visalia, Three Rivers and much of Kern County.  He has represented the Central Valley in the Assembly for the last seven years. 

Other Valley Republicans whose names have been mentioned in media speculation have also made announcements that they won’t seek the seat. That includes Sen. Shannon Grove, who represents the 12th district, and Assemblymember Jim Patterson of Fresno who represents the 8th district  Assemblyman announced that he would not be seeking a Congressional seat. 

Patterson also foreshadowed a bit of the political maneuvering resulting from McCarthy’s decision.

“Unfortunately, the special election that must now be held to fill this seat is sure to create political musical chairs for the counties involved,” Patterson said. “And, I have no desire to be part of the burden that will be put on the voters.”