The race to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy in the House is shaping up to be a chaotic mess — a microcosm of the former Republican speaker’s year of mayhem.

After a protracted fight for the gavel, a historic ouster from leadership and an abrupt resignation, it looked as though McCarthy would at least have the consolation prize of a smooth succession plan.

But now, McCarthy has one well-positioned ally staying on the sidelines and another whose candidacy is in jeopardy because of the state’s arcane election rules.

Soon after McCarthy announced his plans to step down, his onetime district director, Assemblymember Vince Fong, opted not to run for the seat. Other state and local politicians similarly declined, effectively clearing the field for state Sen. Shannon Grove, who started her political career on McCarthy’s urging.

Grove, though, stunned Central Valley political circles late Sunday by announcing that, “After prayerful consideration and thoughtful discussions” with family, she would not run after all. Fong........

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