Democrat Adam Gray has claimed victory in California’s 13th Congressional District, defeating Republican Rep. John Duarte in a closely contested race that concluded as the final U.S. House decision of the year. This result, certified on Tuesday after all ballots were tallied, sees Gray reversing his 2022 defeat and adding a seat to the Democratic column in the House.
Gray’s win in this pivotal farm belt district, which spans across five counties, slightly narrows the Republican majority in the House. Republicans now hold 220 seats, while the Democrats have 215. The race was exceptionally tight, with Gray ultimately winning by a margin of fewer than 200 votes, highlighting the district’s competitive nature and the intense political polarization in the region.
This rematch was highly anticipated after Duarte narrowly defeated Gray in 2022 by just 564 votes. Duarte, considered one of the most vulnerable House Republicans due to the district’s Democratic lean, faced a challenging reelection bid. The district has a Democratic lean of approximately 11 points over registered Republicans, making it a key target for Democrats seeking to regain control of the House.
In a statement released after the results were confirmed, Gray acknowledged the race’s intensity, stating, “We always knew that this race would be as close as they come, and we’re expecting a photo finish this year, too.” His prediction proved accurate, as the final vote count remained razor-thin until the very end.
Duarte, a businessman and prominent grape and almond farmer, conceded to Gray in a call to the Turlock Journal. “That’s how it goes,” Duarte told the newspaper, reflecting on the outcome. Describing himself as a “citizen legislator,” Duarte indicated he had not intended a long-term career in Congress, though he did not dismiss the possibility of future political campaigns.
President Biden’s foreign policy address in January 2025, reflecting the broader political context during the California 13th district race.
Both Gray and Duarte campaigned emphasizing their bipartisan appeal, recognizing the need to attract voters across the political spectrum in the closely divided district. Gray, a former state legislator, focused his campaign on critical local issues, particularly water management and agriculture, vital to the Central Valley region. He also advocated for improvements in infrastructure, renewable energy, and education.
Duarte, in his campaign, prioritized curbing inflation and crime, alongside securing adequate water resources for farmers in the drought-prone state – issues resonating strongly with the district’s diverse electorate. The 13th Congressional District has a significant Latino population, mirroring other Central Valley districts. However, voter turnout patterns often see older, white, and more affluent homeowners as the most consistent voters, while working-class voters, including many Latinos, participate less reliably.
Despite a challenging national political environment for Democrats, the party successfully flipped three GOP-held House seats in California this election cycle, underscoring the state’s complex political landscape and the enduring competitiveness of certain districts. The victory of Adam Gray over John Duarte represents a significant win for Democrats and highlights the ongoing political battles being fought district by district across the nation.
