Meet California candidates in special election to finish Kevin McCarthy’s congressional term

Another round of ballots are due in California’s 20th Congressional District through March 19, this time to pick a representative for a seven-month term.

A new slate of candidates from the March 5 primary are running in this special election to finish retired Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s term. If a candidate wins a majority of votes in the March 19 primary, they win outright. If not, the top two vote-getters regardless of party advance to a May 21 runoff. Whoever wins will be sworn in almost immediately.

McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, left Congress in December after being ousted as Speaker of the House of Representatives in October.

California’s 20th, a solidly-red district, encompasses parts of Kern, Tulare, Kings and Fresno counties.

The frontrunner for both races is presumed to be Assemblyman Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, who served as McCarthy’s district director for nearly a decade. Fong led the March 5 field with 38.3% of the votes counted as of Monday at 6:08 p.m. Pacific Time, according to the Associated Press. At that time, an estimated 59% of ballots had been counted and the AP projected he would advance from the March 5 primary to the Nov 5. general election.

Following Fong was Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, a Republican, with 25.4% and teacher Marisa Wood, a Democrat, with 22%. The top two vote-getters regardless of party on the March 5 ballot advance to the Nov. 5 general election for a two-year term that begins in Jan. 2025. Fong’s bid for the full two-year term faces a legal challenge by California’s secretary of state which aims to block Fong from the November ballot.

Fong, Boudreaux and Wood are among candidates on the ballot for both the March 5 and March 19 primaries; there are other candidates who are only on one or the other.

The Bee asked the special election candidates where they stand on certain issues (or otherwise notified candidates who already responded to our March 5 voter guide about using the same responses and if they’d like to change anything). Spelling and grammar was checked and lightly edited.

Here is what they said, in alphabetical order:

James V. Cardoza

Party: No Party Preference (but fiscally conservative, socially moderate)

Age: 46

Birthplace: Tulare, California

Residence: Fresno, California

Occupation: Real estate photographer; drone photographer

Education: Santa Clara University (BSc in Finance, Magna Cum Laude); Fresno State University (MBA with distinction); NWCU Law (JD); completed Water 101 Program through Water Education Foundation; graduate of the Agricultural Lending Institute

Offices held: None

Campaign website address: CardozaForCongress.com

Q. What steps will you urge to help reduce federal deficits?

I will advocate for the repeal or at least significant reformation of Title IV D of the Social Security Act, which improperly incentivizes state and local governments to deprive children of access to one or both of their parents at a significant cost to the federal government. I may also advocate for repeal or reform of Title IV A of the Social Security Act, which has similar effects.

I will also advocate for reduction of the federal government’s share of the administrative cost of state-run Medicaid programs. In addition, I will urge for austerity throughout the federal budget, primarily through budget reductions across all programs, as well as increases in corporate taxes — but only for the largest companies.

Q. What is your view on abortion rights? What would you want Congress to do now, if anything?

I don’t like the idea of abortion, but at the same time I realize that if abortion were to be completely banned, some women would still get abortions, but on a dangerous black market. For the purpose of women’s safety, I do not think that abortion should be completely banned, but it should be limited as well as discouraged.

Congress should take a position that does not encourage abortion, but also does not accidentally create a black market for abortions, which would be dangerous for women.

Q. What changes, if any, do you support for immigration and border policy?

Congress should maintain a secure border, but a solid wall across the entire southern border might not be the most cost-effective way to make the border secure, nor the most effective way to manage the present immigration challenges. The pervasiveness of cartels in Mexico are a root cause of our immigration challenges; to fix the immigration crisis, we need to take out the cartels.

There are two ways to do this: 1. Reduce demand for the drugs the cartels are sending to the U.S., and 2. send the U.S. military — whether troops, fighter jets, drones or other resources — into Mexico, with or without the support of the Mexican government.

It is likely that we won’t get the support of the Mexican government to take out the cartels by force, since so many members of the Mexican government (their families) have been threatened by the cartels. If we don’t take out the cartels with force, their presence in the U.S. will continue increasing, and the unmanageable level of immigration will also continue.

Q. What should Congress’ next steps be in dealing with climate issues?

Congress should call “bologna” on the terms “climate change,” “climate crisis” and similar fear-mongering terms, and focus on the most important environmental issues: clean air, clean water and a handful of other environmental issues. When addressing clean air, clean water and other environmental issues, Congress needs to use caution to not allow regulations that harm business and cost the government a lot of money while providing little actual benefit to the environment.

Anna Zoe Cohen

Party: Republican

Age: 65

Birthplace: Bakersfield, California

Residence: Bakersfield, California

Occupation: Kern High School District Instructor of Music

Education: UCLA (BA in Political Science-International Relations)

Campaign website address: annazoecohen.com

Q. What steps will you urge to help reduce federal deficits?

To reduce federal deficits, I would initiate and/or support reducing government operating costs. No more free, unrestricted open-ended permission to spend. How many impeachments did we allow, and how much did they cost our government? Raising tariffs on Chinese imports, along with limiting Chinese imports, could also curb deficits.

Free speech is free indeed, so by imparting heavy tariffs on foreign social media platforms, like TikTok, we could generate revenue on the plus side, and deter the gathering of personal data that impinges on privacy laws. Bad service does not deserve a tip, so if our government cannot respond to crisis and decision making, curtail their payment so they get activated.

Q. What is your view on abortion rights? What would you want Congress to do now, if anything?

My belief is that abortion should not be a method of birth control, but it can be a method of death control, to save the life of a mother. Congress should stay out of obstetrical and gynecological decision making. The obvious protection of an unborn child is not for debate, it is the lack consciousness of the decision-making body of government that I find offensive.

Q. What changes, if any, do you support for immigration and border policy?

We need processing centers in many Central American, and red-flagged nations, to identify potentially dangerous immigration seekers, before they enter illegally into our borders.

When I went to Brazil the first time, I needed a visa that took five days to process. If we can get a McDonalds in almost every country, we can accomplish this as well. Walls and wires are not working and need to be in concert with centers to establish viability and legality of entry. We do not have the facilities to house and pay for the tremendous influx of immigrants who seek entry. We must pre-weed out criminals and potential drug cartel coyotes, on their turf.

Q. What should Congress’ next steps be in dealing with climate issues?

Our on-and-off commitment to the Paris Accords can be better served with concrete resolve, literally. Carbon storage hubs, like the one proposed for Taft, California, are currently being explored to store CO2, from concrete manufacturers, methane gas emissions and carbon release from oil companies.

Deep storage hubs may be the answer, but I recall my son’s soccer practice field was built over a landfill, and several incidents of childhood illnesses ensued because of it. What will be the conclusion for this storage in 50 years? Will homes and schools be nearby? Congress needs to explore safety concerns for carbon storage before these contracts are inked.

Ben Dewell

Party: No Party Preference (Independent)

Age: 59

Birthplace: Burbank, California (moved to Fresno at 6 months old)

Residence: Stallion Springs, California

Occupation: Director, Stallion Springs Community Service District; hearing director, Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District

Education: UC Davis (MS in Atmospheric Science); California State University, Fresno (BA in Biology); Fresno Unified School District (K-12)

Offices held: Elected director of Stallion Springs Community Service District, 2018-present; appointed variance hearing director, Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District, 2021-present

Campaign website address: bendewell.com

Q. What steps will you urge to help reduce federal deficits?

Except in periods of existential crises, deficit spending should be approached from both ends of the political spectrum through the middle serving no political party dogma and seeking compromise from both revenues and spending, until the budget is balanced.

Q. What is your view on abortion rights? What would you want Congress to do now, if anything?

I stand with the right of the individual to hold dominion over their own bodies. Congress needs to remove any such decisions from the Courts and give them back to the people and their medical advisors. Congress needs to codify a woman’s right to choose her own destiny.

Q. What changes, if any, do you support for immigration and border policy?

Asylum seekers of both political and economic stripe must be accommodated within our justice system. Funding for immigration judges must be increased (by Congress) to handle existing political asylum claims. Anyone not able to prove clear and present jeopardy should be returned to their country of origin, credible DACA excluded. Those economic migrants seeking work in the U.S. unfilled by citizens should be allowed temporary work/stay status for the duration of the work. Employers of temporary workers will share responsibility assessing legal status. Non-adjudicated asylum seekers within U.S. borders shall be required to report to immigration authority at regular intervals, or face permanent deportation from the country and loss of any chance for citizenship.

Border strengthening through increased border patrol and electronic surveillance.

The overview of America’s current immigration problems is rooted in hemispheric problems. This must be addressed if any long-term solutions are ever to be realized. Foreign aid to nations with citizens who feel compelled to migrate to the U.S. must be contingent upon humanitarian and legal changes necessary to keep their populations from emigrating and strengthen democracies. This may perhaps be loosely interpreted to be a “Marshall Plan” for third world Western Hemisphere countries.

Q. What should Congress’ next steps be in dealing with climate issues?

Decades of verifiable climate data supports climate change (i.e., warming) continuing to runaway levels if not curbed as consistently and efficiently as possible. My agricultural clients knew that it would affect them first when I forecasted synoptic weather for the San Joaquin Valley some thirty years ago. The time for burying our heads in the sand is long gone due to decades of inaction by legislators suckling at the trough of Big Oil.

Congress can attempt mitigation of further warming and avoid catastrophe by enforcing and rewarding continuing reduction of causal greenhouse gases by investment in renewable energy, electrification and battery storage. The unfortunately named IRA, the last piece of any significant legislation passed by Congress, was a good start. Congress must support the pioneering efforts of the private sector in moving to renewable energy sources — solar, wind, nuclear fusion. Partisan legislators, mired in lobbying dollars, must be replaced by Independents who are willing to work from the middle out to grease the skids of Congress and do the people’s work.

Vince Fong

Party: Republican

Age: 44

Birthplace: Bakersfield, California

Residence: Bakersfield, California

Occupation: California State Assemblyman

Education: UCLA (BA in Political Science); Princeton University (MPA in Public Affairs)

Offices held: California State Assembly, 2016-present

Campaign website address: VinceFong.com

Q. What steps will you urge to help reduce federal deficits?

Californians are feeling the impacts of Washington’s overspending in the form of crippling inflation. The only meaningful solution to our federal budget deficit is to reduce spending.

Washington politicians have indebted our children and grandchildren with trillions of dollars of debt, and both parties are responsible. It will take real political courage to buck this status quo, reign in spending and reduce our federal deficit and national debt.

Q. What is your view on abortion rights? What would you want Congress to do now, if anything?

I am pro-life and have a consistent record of voting against abortion policies in the State Assembly. I also fundamentally do not believe that taxpayer dollars should fund abortion services. I stand by my pro-life values and will not waver in my conviction that all life is precious and worthy of protection.

I also acknowledge that abortions are incredibly difficult decisions. To me, being pro-life is about compassion. We are showing compassion for that child by giving them the opportunity to live. But we also must show compassion for the mother. Being pro-life should also mean that we acknowledge how incredibly difficult and heart breaking the decisions facing a prospective mother can be and do everything we can to support women in those situations.

Q. What changes, if any, do you support for immigration and border policy?

The chaos on the southern border must end. It is a direct threat to our national security to allow thousands of migrants to pour across the border every day. It is absolutely clear that there are terrorist threats entering the country at the border, human trafficking is at an all time high and unprecedented amounts of dangerous drugs like fentanyl are coming across the border.

We must invest in border security measures of all kinds: hiring more border patrol agents, investing in surveillance and monitoring technology and continuing to build fencing and a wall.

Q. What should Congress’ next steps be in dealing with climate issues?

We produce some of the world’s cleanest and safest oil and gas here in the Central Valley. I have spent years working with oil and gas producers to unlock the energy potential of the Central Valley and lead the way towards national energy independence.

We achieved energy independence as a nation under the Trump administration and have now gone backwards thanks to the misguided energy policies of President Joe Biden that have sought to address climate change without acknowledging the important role domestic energy production plays in reducing reliance on heavy polluters like China.

We must stop demonizing the hard-working men and women that produce reliable and affordable energy that we all use every single day. My next steps on energy and climate policy would be to once again achieve energy independence by unleashing Central Valley energy providers.

Kyle Kirkland

Party: Republican

Age: 61

Birthplace: Portsmouth, Virginia

Residence: Clovis, California

Occupation: President of Club One Casino in Fresno; president of the California Gaming Association; director and board chair for the Fresno Chaffee Zoo; founder and president of The Kirkland Foundation

Education: Harvard University (BA in Economics); Stanford University (MBA)

Offices held: None

Campaign website address: kirkland2024.com

Q. What steps will you urge to help reduce federal deficits?

To reduce the federal deficit, I will pursue a pragmatic review of government revenue sources and spending to ensure that taxpayer money is collected fairly and used judiciously. The plan will include tax reform to ensure our tax policies are simple and promote efficient use of resources by both businesses and individual taxpayers. I will encourage economic growth by championing policies that promote free markets, entrepreneurship and innovation — a robust economy boosts revenue, mitigating the need for tax increases.

My perspective as an experienced business leader with a track record of revitalizing companies and generating quality jobs sets me apart from the other candidates. I am committed to solutions, not rhetoric, to steer our economy toward a prosperous future, and have the track record to prove it.

Q. What is your view on abortion rights? What would you want Congress to do now if anything?

The recent Supreme Court ruling returned the decision-making power on abortion laws back to the states. This shift emphasizes the importance of state-level legislation and governance.

As a candidate committed to finding practical solutions to the priorities of California’s 20th Congressional District, I will concentrate on the areas where my leadership can be most effective for our community. This includes tackling the high cost of living, border security and economic challenges. I am not a career politician, I am a businessman with the knowledge and experience to deliver tangible results for our district — and I plan on doing so with issues germane to Congress.

Q. What changes, if any, do you support for immigration and border policy?

The current administration’s policies have led to unprecedented chaos at the southern border, with illegal crossings increasing five-fold over the last few years. This surge has intensified legitimate voter concerns over illicit drug trafficking, enforcement of immigration policy, challenges to our existing housing and health care infrastructure and fundamental fairness.

As a result, we need a comprehensive border control strategy: now. To address the problem, I will approach it as I would any immediate logistics problem. I will support policy change to slow inflow to the U.S., including integrating virtual and physical barriers to inhibit unlawful entry and staff, equip and support Customs and Border Protection teams to do their jobs. I will also oppose policies that overburden existing housing, health care and education resources to the detriment of those who are lawfully in the U.S.

California relies on lawful immigration to drive our vital agriculture industry, but safety, infrastructure, budget and moral constraints demand that we find fair solutions. Upholding our laws and securing our borders is fundamental to our safety, stability and sovereignty, and I will apply my practical, results-oriented leadership to solving this crisis.

Q. What should Congress’ next steps be in dealing with climate issues?

As a long-time advocate of nature and the outdoors, I believe in policies that show our appreciation and respect of the natural world. And as a businessman who values results over rhetoric, I believe in commonsense solutions that ensure reliable water sources for agriculture, balance renewable and non-renewable energy sources and enhance our quality of life.

We need to respect our farmers — they feed us — our energy producers — they warm and drive us — and the constraints of our aging infrastructure and human nature before issuing poorly considered mandates. In Congress, I will advocate for policies that strike this balance, policies that respect our environment but acknowledge the realities of farming, energy use and human nature — and I am the only candidate with a proven track record of balancing both.

Marisa Wood

Party: Democratic

Age: 63

Birthplace: Walnut Creek, California

Residence: Bakersfield, California

Occupation: English teacher

Education: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (BA, Single Subject Teaching Credential); Monte Vista High School

Offices held: None

Campaign website address: marisawoodforcongress.com

Q. What steps will you urge to help reduce federal deficits?

Comprehensive approach with a combination of responsible spending cuts and revenue enhancement measures. Prioritizing efficiency in government programs and eliminating redundant expenditures. Exploring options such as closing tax loopholes and ensuring a fair and equitable tax system including fully funding the IRS.

Q. What is your view on abortion rights? What would you want Congress to do now, if anything?

I am a champion of a woman’s autonomy in their reproductive health decisions. To fully protect women’s autonomy and safeguard their fundamental abortion rights, it is imperative for Congress to codify the unequivocal right to choose into federal law.

I personally believe that life begins at conception; it is essential to understand that cells on a petri dish do not equate fully developed human beings. Tragically, embryos may fail to implant, and parents may be confronted with heart-wrenching medical decisions to terminate pregnancies.

I do not endorse the termination of life, I fervently advocate for the freedom of choice. I believe that parents, in consultation with their healthcare providers, are best equipped to make decisions that serve the well-being of their families.

Q. What changes, if any, do you support for immigration and border policy?

The aim is to create policies aligning with the nation’s values, considering economic, humanitarian and security factors.

Aspects of this overhaul should include: 1. Increased border security through technology and infrastructure; 2. visa programs, and paths to legal status including pathway to citizenship for long-term undocumented residents, acknowledging their contributions; 3. a well-funded immigration program is urged to efficiently process asylum cases, involving increased judges, lawyers and support staff; and 4. fortifying ports of entry and ensure that we build capacity for asylum seekers as the needs arise.

Striking a balance between border security and humane treatment is essential, with discussions centering on effective measures respecting human rights and international obligations.

Q. What should Congress’ next steps be in dealing with climate issues?

As a grandmother to two cherished grandchildren, I am committed to safeguarding their future on a clean and flourishing planet. Recognizing the pressing urgency of climate change, I am dedicated to confronting this challenge head on.

I understand the complexity of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels overnight. However, I am committed to shifting towards renewable energy sources in a deliberate and thoughtful manner.

In the Central Valley, we stand poised to lead the charge in the clean energy movement by leveraging existing infrastructure to advance carbon capture initiatives.

My number one priority is to ensure workers don’t lose their livelihoods. I will uplift policies that transition oilfield workers into jobs in the renewable energy field.

I want the Central Valley to lead, not follow, as we transition toward cleaner energy. It is our duty to preserve this planet for generations to come.

Mike Boudreaux

Party: Republican

Occupation: Tulare County Sheriff

Campaign website address: boudreauxforcongress.com

Did not respond to emailed questions.

David J. Fluhart

Party: No Party Preference

Occupation: Cannabis grower

Did not respond to emailed questions.

Harmesh Kumar

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Clinical Psychologist; businessman

Did not respond to emailed questions.