Newsom sets election date to replace McCarthy

• McCarthy had previously hinted he was uncertain about running for re-election in 2024 and has since told Axios he's eyeing a career in AI.
• The field of candidates for McCarthy's seat is already crowded.

Details: The primary for the state's 20th Congressional District seat is open to candidates from both parties. If a candidate receives a majority vote, they will automatically serve the remainder of McCarthy's term.

• If a candidate does not achieve a majority, a runoff will be held on May 21.
• The district, which includes Kings County and parts of Fresno and Kern counties in California's Central Valley, leans largely Republican.

Of note: The March 19 special primary was scheduled after the state's regular March 5 primary at the request of county officials.

Zoom out: McCarthy joined more than 30 other U.S. House members and who are not seeking re-election in 2024.

• Lawmakers last year ditched Congress at a record pace, with multiple Republicans announcing retirements last week.
• Retaining McCarthy's seat will be vital for Republicans, who already have a razor-thin majority in the lower chamber. They'll also be down a vote until February, as House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) announced he'll work remotely through the month while recovering from cancer treatment.

Go deeper;

• Kevin McCarthy formally submits his resignation from Congress
• Democrats are on a special election winning streak