Fong was born on October 24, 1979 in Bakersfield, California to Chinese immigrants.[1] As a child, Vince Fong struggled with a stutter and described himself as "probably scared to death to speak in front of a group of people, let alone a class." He credited his teachers and mentors with helping him recognize his potential and overcome his fear of public speaking. He attended West High School and went on to earn an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles. He later obtained a master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton University.[2]
Early political career
Fong began his career as an aide to Congressman Bill Thomas, the then-chair of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee. In this role, Fong focused on international trade policy, working to expand market access for U.S. farmers and small businesses. Fong then returned to Kern County to serve local residents, working nearly a decade as district director for Congressman Kevin McCarthy. He was actively involved in Kern County's community organizations and nonprofits, serving on the boards of Goodwill Industries of South Central California, the Jim Burke Education Foundation, and Honor Flight Kern County, supporting efforts to send WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit their memorials. Additionally, he has held an elected position on the Kern County Republican Central Committee and is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.[3]
In September 2016, Fong announced his candidacy for the California State Assembly to succeed Assemblymember Shannon Grove in the 34th district, who was term-limited.[4] In the general election, Fong faced Perrin Swanlund, an 18-year-old who recently graduated from West High School, and won the election by a wide margin.[5][6] He was re-elected in 2018, 2020, and 2022, with Fong being redistricted to the 32nd district in 2022.[7] While serving in the Assembly, Fong authored several notable bills, including one aimed at reducing catalytic converter theft, another promoting wildfire prevention through controlled grazing, and a measure to provide firearm training materials in multiple languages. His legislative work has largely focused on enhancing public safety and fostering economic growth.[8]
He resigned his Assembly seat on May 24, 2024, after winning the special election to the U.S. House of Representatives.[9][10] Fong appeared on both ballots for the U.S. House and Assembly in the general election.[11][12] For his Assembly seat, he endorsed Bakersfield City Councilor Ken Weir, who had secured a second-place spot in the primary via a write-in campaign, encouraging voters to select Weir over himself. Nevertheless, in the general election, Fong won over Weir.[13]
U.S. House of Representatives
Fong shaking hands with Speaker Mike Johnson after being sworn in
On December 6, 2023, U.S. Representative Kevin McCarthy, having been removed as Speaker of the House, announced his resignation from Congress effective December 31. A special election was scheduled for March 19, 2024, with a runoff on May 21, 2024. Initially declining to run, Fong later announced his candidacy for the seat, despite already filing for re-election in the Assembly.[14][15] California Secretary of State Shirley Weber deemed Fong ineligible to run in the congressional election due to his existing qualification for re-election, as state law prohibits candidates from running for two offices simultaneously. Fong sued the state, and Superior Court Judge Shelleyanne W. L. Chang ruled in his favor, permitting him to run.[16] Weber appealed the decision, and Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo introduced a bill to prohibit dual candidacies.[17] In January 2024, Weber petitioned a state appeals court to overturn the ruling, while Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin introduced a similar bill to prevent candidates from filing for multiple offices in the same election.[18]
Fong advanced to the runoff in the special election against Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, another Republican, and ultimately won with a 60%-39% margin.[19] He was sworn in as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives by Speaker Mike Johnson on June 3, 2024.[20] In the general election, Boudreaux withdrew and endorsed Fong, who went on to win re-election to a full term in the U.S. House of Representatives.[21]
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