California casino owner enters political fray with Congress bid

Article by : Charles Perrin Jan 4, 2024

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California casino owner Kyle Kirkland has made a bold play for the vacant Congress seat left behind by former US Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R – California).

After being removed as House Speaker through a decisive vote last October, McCarthy’s resignation was effective as of December 31, 2023, creating a power vacuum.

House Republicans have been stewing about the internal political upheaval created last year, which included the departure of disgraced former Rep. George Santos, but things are intensifying in the race in terms of who will succeed McCarthy in the 20th Congressional District seat.

Enter Kirkland, who manages Club One Casino in Fresno, a Californian gaming facility better known for running poker games.

Although poker is a predominant feature at the gaming facility, the venue also features 51 table games, a 24-hour restaurant, and three bars.

The California congressional seat has attracted a lot of interest, and Kirkland has revealed his name is on the ballot for the 2024 primary on March 5.

Before entering politics, Kirkland also enjoyed a lengthy career in the music industry, and he served as the chairman of Steinway Musical Instruments for 18 years.

But he has revealed that he made a run for Congress, because he has always been fascinated by the wider political picture and trying to effect change.

Discussing his bid, Kirkland said: “I felt like this was an opportunity for a noncareer politician to get involved.

“I certainly see the issues people are facing and concerned about — the economy, border crisis, unanswered crime.

“If there was ever a time where Congress needed new thinking and someone who is action-oriented and looking for change, it’s now.”

Kirkland is also adamant that his experience as a casino owner which “employs a lot of people”, makes him qualified to handle the delicate and often complex political issues facing those in Congress who don’t necessarily have a firm grasp of people’s livelihoods.

Whether Kirkland will succeed in landing a coveted Congress seat remains to be seen. Nevertheless, he is already talking up a good game, and he will be hoping to be the ace in the pack.