Vince Fong
Vince Fong, a Republican who has represented California's 20th congressional district in the U.S. House since 2024, faces Democrat Sandra Van Scotter, a community activist, in his 2026 reelection race.
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- Born
- October 24, 1979
- Birthplace
- Bakersfield, California
- Education
- West High School
University of California, Los Angeles (undergraduate degree in political science)
Princeton University (master's degree in public affairs)
Biography & Campaign Analysis
Background
Vince Fong was born on October 24, 1979, in Bakersfield, California, to Chinese immigrant parents; his father, an immigrant from Hong Kong, worked in a Bakersfield pharmacy.
As a child Fong struggled with a stutter and has credited his teachers and mentors with helping him overcome his fear of public speaking.
He attended West High School, earned an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and later obtained a master's degree in public affairs from Princeton University.
Career
Fong began his career as an aide to Congressman Bill Thomas, then chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, focusing on international trade policy. He then worked for nearly a decade as district director to Congressman Kevin McCarthy in Kern County.
In 2016 he was elected to the California State Assembly in the 34th district, succeeding the term-limited Shannon Grove, and became the first Asian American to represent Bakersfield in the state legislature.
He was re-elected in 2018, 2020 and 2022, when redistricting moved him to the 32nd district, and he authored bills on catalytic converter theft and wildfire prevention through controlled grazing.
After McCarthy announced his resignation from Congress on December 6, 2023, Fong entered the special election for the seat. Secretary of State Shirley Weber deemed him ineligible because he had already filed for re-election to the Assembly, but a Superior Court judge ruled in his favor.
Fong won the runoff against Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux by 60% to 39%, resigned his Assembly seat on May 24, 2024, and was sworn in on June 3, 2024. He won a full term that November.
His committee assignments include Science, Space, and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Homeland Security.
2026 race
Vince Fong is seeking reelection in California's 20th congressional district, where he was re-elected in 2024 with 65.1% of the vote. In the top-two primary he finished first with 68.16%, and Democrat Sandra Van Scotter, a community activist, placed second with 28.80%. Ben Dewell and Jeremy Fox, both with no party preference, were eliminated. Fong faces Van Scotter in the general election on November 3, 2026.