Posted on: January 2, 2024, 07:12h.
Last updated on: January 2, 2024, 07:12h.
California businessman Kyle Kirkland has announced that he is pursuing a bid for Congress to replace US Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-California). McCarthy vacated his Congress seat after his removal as House Speaker in October of last year.
Kirkland is the owner of Club One Casino in Fresno, a cardroom mainly featuring poker games. The casino holds 51 table games, a 24-hour restaurant, and three bars.
As a Republican, Kirkland is joining a competitive field of candidates vying for McCarthy’s 20th Congressional District seat. The district is predominantly conservative, and the current lineup includes McCarthy’s preferred successor, state Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield).
Fong is seeking reelection at state level and also running for Congress, despite initial opposition from California Secretary of State Shirley Weber.
Before purchasing Club One Casino in 2008, Kirkland was in the music industry. With significant professional experience, Kirkland believes his interests in government and lawmaking align with his business and political goals.
Kirkland expressed his desire to serve as a noncareer politician and is positioning his campaign as an example of new thinking designed to address the issues affecting the people in his district. Kirkland is focused on the economy, border crisis, and unanswered crime.
Kirkland is set to be on the ballot for the 2024 primary on March 5. He is emphasizing his experience as a businessman, stressing his ability to tackle economic and social issues faced by the people in his district.
McCarthy Downfall
McCarthy concluded his 17-year tenure in Congress last December, following his ousting as Speaker for engaging with Democrats to avert a government shutdown. McCarthy is moving on to support new GOP candidates seeking elected positions.
McCarthy expressed his intentions to recruit up-and-coming leaders to the Republican Party. McCarthy is seeking to create opportunities for the next generation of political figures.