Democratic challenger Adam Gray flips California's 13th Congressional District in nation's final House race
SUMMARY
Republican Rep. John Duarte narrowly lost his bid for re-election in California’s 13th Congressional District to Democrat Adam Gray. This district, one of the most competitive in the state, had a tight race, with Gray winning after Duarte had previously defeated him in 2022 by just 564 votes. Duarte, a businessman and farmer, campaigned on issues such as inflation, crime, and agricultural concerns, which resonate strongly with Central Valley voters. His platform focused on restoring fiscal responsibility, addressing the struggles of local farmers, and tackling rising crime rates. Despite Gray's centrist positions, including his focus on water shortages and renewable energy, Duarte's strong record on economic issues and his advocacy for farmers made him a prominent voice for the region’s conservative values.