| Vince Fong | |
| State: | California |
| Term Start: | June 3, 2024 |
| Predecessor: | Kevin McCarthy |
| Office1: | Member of the California State Assembly |
| Term Start1: | December 5, 2016 |
| Term End1: | May 24, 2024 |
| Predecessor1: | Shannon Grove |
| Successor1: | Vacant |
| Constituency1: | 34th district (2016–2022) 32nd district (2022–2024) |
| Birth Name: | Vincent Karchi Fong |
| Birth Date: | 24 October 1979 |
| Birth Place: | Bakersfield, California, U.S. |
| Party: | Republican |
| Spouse: | Amanda Boschma[1] |
| Education: | University of California, Los Angeles (BA) Princeton University (MPA) |
Vincent Karchi Fong[1] (born October 24, 1979) is an American politician who has served as the U.S. representative for California's 20th congressional district since 2024. A member of the Republican Party, he previously represented the California's 32nd State Assembly district,[2] encompassing parts of the Central Valley.[3] Prior to his election to the Assembly in 2016, Fong served as district director to then-Minority Leader and Congressman Kevin McCarthy.[4]
Vince Fong was born in Bakersfield, California on October 24, 1979.[5] [6] He was raised in Bakersfield and graduated from West High School.[7] In 2001, Fong earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and government from the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2003, he earned a Master in Public Affairs degree from Princeton University.[6]
Fong started his career as an aide for Congressman Bill Thomas, who at the time was chair of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee. In Thomas's office, Fong focused on international trade policy and opening up markets for United States farmers and small businesses.[8]
Fong then returned home to serve the residents of Kern County. For nearly a decade, he served as the district director to Congressman Kevin McCarthy,[6] later the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
Fong has been active in Kern County nonprofits and community organizations. He has served as a board member for Goodwill Industries of South Central California, the Jim Burke Education Foundation and Honor Flight Kern County where he works to send World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans to Washington, D.C., to see their memorials. In addition, Fong was an elected member of the Kern County Republican Central Committee and is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.
Vince Fong was first elected to the California State Assembly to represent the 34th district in 2016, earning 73.2% of the vote. He was re-elected in 2018 with 70.6% of the vote. In 2022, Fong won the election unopposed for the newly drawn 32nd district, which comprises the majority of the prior configuration of the 34th.[9] [10]
Due to the unusual timing of McCarthy's resignation, Fong had already filed for re-election for the Assembly seat. This led to the issue that Fong would be running in two elections at once, which the California Secretary of State objected to, but was overruled by the appellate court. Fong endorsed a write-in campaign for Bakersfield City Councilman Ken Weir and resigned his seat on May 24, 2024.[11]
On June 3, 2024, Fong was sworn in as the U.S. Representative from California's 20th district.[12]
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