The Winner

If you live in California's 20th U.S. House District, you will continue to be represented in Congress by Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA), of Bakersfield, who has been declared the winner of the congressional race, according to the Associated Press. ​

According to unofficial results reported by Decision Desk HQ as of Nov. 4, Fong received 90,999 votes, or 62.6%, defeating Democrat Sandra Van Scotter, who received 54,329 votes, or 37.4%. Fong led by 36,670 votes, or approximately 25.2 percentage points. The results remain preliminary, with additional ballots still being counted before certification.

Fong's reelection keeps California's 20th Congressional District in Republican hands as Democrats regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. His victory secures another term representing the Central Valley, although the Republican Party's loss of its House majority will place Fong in the minority when the new Congress convenes in January.

The Race

Democrat Sandra Van Scotter advanced to the general election through California's top-two primary on June 2, finishing second in a four-candidate field. Fong received 115,035 votes, or 68.2%, compared with Van Scotter's 48,611 votes, or 28.8%, a margin of approximately 39.4 percentage points. Independent candidates Ben Dewell and Jeremy Fox received 1.8% and 1.2%, respectively. Cook Political Report rated the seat Solid Republican heading into Election Day; Inside Elections also rated it Solid Republican, and Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it Safe Republican.

Fong has represented the district since winning a May 2024 special election to succeed former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). He subsequently won a full term in November 2024.

The 20th District spans parts of Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties, according to the California Secretary of State. The district has a total population of approximately 782,000, a median household income of about $90,300, and a median age of 35, according to geographic data for the district. About 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher; the district's unemployment rate is approximately 6.9%, and about 11.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population is approximately 54.9% white, 36.5% Hispanic, 8.1% Asian and 3.4% Black.

What's Next

Fong's next term begins Jan. 3, 2027. With Democrats taking control of the House, Republicans will lose their committee chairmanships and control over the chamber's legislative agenda, although Fong will continue representing the district.

Fong said increasing California's water supply remains a priority for his office, with a focus on water infrastructure funding, groundwater recharge efforts, and state water allocations and operations, according to Valley Ag Voice, which reported his comments in its November coverage of the California Water Alliance Forum.

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