Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy has a challenger for the 2024 election, with the primary scheduled 13 months away.

Andy Morales was born and raised in Bakersfield, graduated from Fresno State last year, and currently works in security.

“I’m a Gen-Z Security officer, Latino, and the candidate running to get MAGA extremist Kevin McCarthy out of Congress,” Morales wrote on Twitter.

His campaign consultant, Phil Arballo, admits that Morales’ chances are a “longshot.”

“We wouldn’t get anywhere in this country if we didn’t have challengers,” Arballo said.

With redistricting, McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, now represents Clovis and portions of Fresno. He won re-election in 2022 with 68% of the vote over Democrat Marisa Wood.

The primary is March 5, 2024.

Also in Politics 101 ….

• What are Phil Arballo’s 2024 plans?
• What the Assembly Majority Leader says about Joaquin Arambula’s speakership desire;
• A new job for Andreas Borgeas;
• Update on Annalisa Perea and the Big Fresno Fair board.

Is Arballo Running in 2024?

Arballo filed paperwork Dec. 27 to run in Congressional District 13, represented by John Duarte, R-Modesto. He said the filing was to handle continuing campaign contributions from his prior run. He has not made up his mind if he will actually run in 2024.

He lost in the CD 13 primary in 2022; and lost to Devin Nunes in the 2020 general election.

Federal campaign finance records show Arballo refunded more than $138,000 in contributions. He said that was money given for the general election that he had to return.

His news of consulting for Morales drew criticism.

No Support for Arambula for Speaker from Democratic Leader

The California Assembly Majority Leader does not have much of an opinion about Joaquin Arambula’s desire to become Assembly Speaker.

“The caucus has already voted regarding our transition of leadership,” Eloise Reyes, D-Colton (San Bernardino County), said. “(The votes) represent the will of the Assembly Democratic Caucus. And as a member, I will continue to support the will of my colleagues.”

Assembly Democrats voted on a Speaker transition plan from current leader Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood, to Robert Rivas, D-Hollister. The transition will take place July 1.

Arambula, D-Fresno, said he is considering running for the job as well.

Reyes said she has not spoken to Arambula and called him a friend. She is unaware of any dissension in the Democratic ranks.

“I don’t know what he’s thinking. I don’t know his thought process. I think that would be a fair question for him,” Reyes said.

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Borgeas Lands New Job

Former state Senator Andreas Borgeas has found a post-political job. He will work as a consultant for an international energy firm, the Eunice Group. He will serve as CEO of Greece-Africa Power Interconnector “the transnational electricity interconnection project between Greece and Egypt,” a company news release said.

Borgeas, R-Fresno, will work with the countries and the European Union on electrical projects.

“It is a great honor for me to join a project of vital importance for European interests, highlighting Greece’s role as an energy leader and hub in the SE Mediterranean and Europe, aside a team of industry leaders with extensive experience and technical expertise. Greece is acquiring a unique role in defending Europe’s energy autonomy and security, and I deeply believe that now is Greece’s moment!” Borgeas said in the news release.

Borgeas served one term as state Senator representing the Fresno-Clovis area from 2018-2022. He opted not to run for re-election after redistricting, which could have pitted him against fellow Republican Shannon Grove. Borgeas has also served as on the Fresno City Council, and Fresno County Board of Supervisors.

Fair Board: Perea Good to Serve

Updating an item from earlier this week, the Big Fresno Fair board says there is no issue with Annalisa Perea serving on both the fair board and the Fresno City Council.

“Upon election to the Fresno City Council, The Big Fresno Fair Management consulted with California Department of Food & Agriculture, Division of Fairs & Expositions’ legal counsel and were advised that Annalisa Perea can continue to serve on The Big Fresno Fair Board of Directors, but would need to recuse herself on Board vote relative to any contracts or business dealings with the City of Fresno,” Fair spokeswoman Danielle Griffin told Politics 101.