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Unlike in most states, where primaries are divided by political
party, all of the declared candidates in a California
jurisdiction are put against each other in the primary.
If a candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, no special
general election will be held, according to a calendar released
by the state's secretary of state.
If there is a special general election, it will take place on
May 21, according to a proclamation signed by Governor Gavin
Newsom on Monday.
THE TAKE
The special election will determine who will hold the seat until
November, eventually likely giving Republicans a critical vote
in an extremely tight House of Representatives ahead of the Nov.
5 general election that will determine control of the entire
chamber.
But until then, the seat will be empty for up to five months,
depriving House Republicans of a key vote until then.
CONTEXT
McCarthy was ousted by a gang of eight Republican rebels, who
bucked the party and banded together with House Democrats to
boot the speaker in an unprecedented vote.
McCarthy's departure triggered three weeks of uncertainty, with
House Republicans struggling to select a replacement for
McCarthy. Mike Johnson, a Louisiana conservative, ultimately
claimed the mantle.
McCarthy announced his resignation effective at the end of 2023,
further narrowing House Republicans' thin majority.
The Republicans currently have a 220-213 House majority.
WHAT'S NEXT
McCarthy's seat is considered safe for Republicans.
(Reporting by Shakil Ismail and Makini Brice; writing by Paul
Grant; Editing by Caitlin Webber and Sandra Maler)
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