Michael R. Blood / Associated Press

U.S. Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif., poses during a ceremonial re-enactment of his swearing-in ceremony in the Rayburn Room on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 6, 2015. Valadao is trying to win a return trip to Congress. He's proven resilient before. Valadao, who emphasizes a bipartisan streak, has won in a heavily Democratic, largely Latino district before. He held his seat from 2013 until January 2019, lost it for a term, then won it back in a 2020 rematch with Democrat T.J. Cox. He's facing Democrat Rudy Salas in a newly redrawn district.

Rep. David Valadao wins 22nd District, Republicans inch toward control of the House

Republican Rep. David Valadao has won reelection in California’s 22nd Congressional District, defeating Democrat Rudy Salas for the second time.

Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux speaks to reporters about the assassination of a family in Goshen, Calif. in January.

Local News

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux suspends congressional campaign, endorses Rep. Vince Fong

Michael R. Blood / Associated Press

The move clears the way for Rep. Vince Fong to fill out the remainder of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s term.

California State Assemblymember Vince Fong talks with voters at a Bakersfield, California, watch party for a special election held on Tuesday March 19, 2024.

Vince Fong wins special election to finish ousted House Speaker McCarthy’s term

Michael R. Blood / Associated Press

A Republican California legislator backed by former President Donald Trump has won a special election to complete the remainder of the term of deposed former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which runs through January.

Assemblymember Vince Fong (left), and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux (right).

Fong and Boudreaux face off for McCarthy's vacant US House seat in a special election

Michael R. Blood / Associated Press

State Assembly member Vince Fong and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux are vying to fill the remainder of McCarthy's term in a special election today. It's a precursor to November's general election, when the two candidates will face off once more for the full term.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., stands at a podium with American flags in the background.

Government & Politics

Kevin McCarthy to resign from Congress, 2 months after his ouster as House speaker

Michael R. Blood / Associated Press

The Bakersfield Republican made history in October when a contingent of hard-right conservatives made him the only speaker to be voted out of the job.

Government & Politics

California races could determine control of US House

Michael R. Blood / Associated Press

In the fight to control Congress, one of the biggest battlegrounds is heavily Democratic California. Republican leaders believe as many as five districts in the state could swing their way — including two highly competitive districts in the Central Valley.