FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 29, 2023

Secretary of State Responds to Decision in Fong Congressional Candidacy Case

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Sacramento Superior Court issued a ruling Thursday permitting Assemblymember Vince Fong to appear on the same March 5, 2024, ballot as a candidate for both the 32nd Assembly District and the 20th Congressional District. 

“I strongly disagree with the outcome of this case, and I am gravely concerned about the consequences of today’s ruling,” said California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. “I do agree, however, with the Court's expressed concern that this ruling ‘may result in voter confusion and the disenfranchisement of voters if Fong is ultimately elected for both offices but does not retain one,’ and that it ‘defies common sense to find the law permits a candidate to run for two offices during the same election.’

"As California’s chief election official, it is my duty to take steps necessary to protect voters. As such, my office will appeal this ruling in an effort to ensure that voters in future elections will not become disenfranchised, be left without representation, or become subject to other unforeseen negative consequences that would erode confidence in our elections.”

In accordance with the Court’s decision, the Secretary of State has issued the Certified List of Candidates that includes Mr. Fong’s name as a congressional and as an assembly candidate. 

 
###

Contact: SOS Press Office
SOSPress@sos.ca.gov