A special election in California's 20th Congressional District to fill the vacancy left by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy has resulted in a runoff between Republican candidates State Assemblyman Vince Fong and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux. The runoff election is scheduled for May 21, leading to another two months of vacancy in the heavily Republican-leaning district.

With 98% of the votes counted, Fong secured 42% of the votes, while Boudreaux garnered 24%, according to The Associated Press. The 50% threshold necessary to claim the seat outright was not reached by any candidate among the crowded field of nine contenders.

The 20th Congressional District, encompassing areas of Bakersfield and Fresno in California's Central Valley farm belt, has traditionally been a strongly Republican seat. Former President Donald Trump carried the district in the 2020 elections, and McCarthy had represented it since 2007 until his resignation in 2023.

This special election gains significance due to Trump's endorsement of Fong, which showcases his continued influence within the Republican Party. As Trump potentially gears up for a rematch against President Joe Biden in November, the outcome of the runoff race may serve as a bellwether for his viability.

The race to succeed McCarthy has been marked by rivalries and an ongoing lawsuit. Fong, a former McCarthy aide, enjoys the support of both McCarthy and Trump. On the other hand, Boudreaux has received endorsements from Republican state Sen. Shannon Grove and former acting director of national intelligence in the Trump administration, Ric Grenell.

While Fong and Boudreaux hold similar conservative views with support for Trump, there is an insider-outsider dynamic at play. Fong is McCarthy's handpicked choice and has emerged from his political operation, while Boudreaux represents a different approach.

In the primary held on March 5 for the full-term 20th District seat beginning in January, both Fong and Boudreaux had already secured spots in the November election. However, the special election held on Tuesday aimed to determine who would serve out the remainder of McCarthy's term until early next year.

Currently, Republicans hold only 11 out of California's 52 House seats, leaving McCarthy's former seat vacant. McCarthy's historic removal from the speakership, resulting from a motion brought by Rep. Matt Gaetz, also brought attention to the race.

As the 20th Congressional District prepares for the May 21 runoff, political observers will closely watch the outcome, which could indicate the future trajectory of Republican leadership in the state.