Central Valley congressional incumbents held strong positions following Tuesday’s primary election, with Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, clearing 70% of the vote.

And while Josh Harder, D-Tracy, also enjoyed a strong majority, bolstered by a bluer district following Prop. 50 changes, Jim Costa, D-Fresno, will face a well-known GOP opponent, Kyle Kirkland, in November.

Latest results Wednesday had Fong with 70.5% of the vote for District 20, easily passing Democratic candidate Sandra Van Scotter with 26.6% of the vote in the oddly drawn, heavily Republican district once held by Kevin McCarthy.

“Our campaign has always been about strengthening our communities, expanding opportunity, and ensuring our region has a strong and effective voice in Washington,” Fong said in a statement. “Tonight’s results show that message is resonating.”

Harder Bolstered by Prop 50

At the north end of the Valley, Harder has 57.7% of the vote in a District 9 race that Republican candidate John McBride and three other GOP hopefuls. Harder’s Central Valley seat, which he has held since 2018, has long been envied by the Republican party. Changes under Prop. 50 redistricting in 2025, however, bolstered the district’s Democratic representation.

McBride will head to the November runoff with 24.4% of the vote.

In a statement to the Stockton Record, Harder said affordability and health care drove support for his campaign.

“We’ve been working to introduce ourselves to folks that haven’t necessarily seen me on the ballot before, given the new line,” Harder said. “But folks are really resonating with our message of lowering costs, fixing health care, ending corruption.”

Costa Leads Primary, Will Face Kirkland

In Fresno, Costa faced a divided primary featuring two Republicans with strong local name recognition, and two other Democrats.

Costa currently lead with 41% and will face Club One Casino president Kyle Kirkland in November. Kirkland has 28.6% of the vote.

In a statement to GV Wire, Costa said he has always put his “faith and trust” in San Joaquin Valley voters.

“Their support of my re-election on Tuesday, while humbling, also reminds me how important it is to deliver so they can afford to raise their families in a safe and healthy community,” Costa said.

Costa, 74, has served in Congress since 2005.

The crowded primary for California’s 21st District will have plenty of votes up for grabs come November, especially as Kirkland’s fellow Republican contender, Lorenzo Rios, holds 16.4% of the vote.

Democrats Lourin Hubbard and Eric Garcia took 8.2% and 4.8%, respectively.