Democrat Adam Gray Flips California Seat in Last House Race to Be Called
December 4, 2024
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Democrat Adam Gray has claimed victory in California’s 13th Congressional District, unseating Republican Rep. John Duarte in the final unresolved U.S. House race of the year. The results, announced Tuesday, mark a significant shift in the district’s representation.
Gray’s win, secured by a slim margin, contributes to the Democrats’ efforts to regain ground in a challenging election cycle, with Republicans maintaining a narrow House majority.
What Were the Results in California’s 13th Congressional District?
Gray emerged victorious by fewer than 200 votes after election officials confirmed that all ballots had been counted. The tight outcome mirrored the district’s 2022 race, where Duarte narrowly defeated Gray by only 564 votes in one of the nation’s closest contests.
Central Valley Assembly members, Democrat Adam Gray, of Merced, center, and Republican Heath Flora of Ripon, right, confer during the Assembly session at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., May 27, 2022. On Tuesday, Gray captured… Central Valley Assembly members, Democrat Adam Gray, of Merced, center, and Republican Heath Flora of Ripon, right, confer during the Assembly session at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., May 27, 2022. On Tuesday, Gray captured California’s 13th Congressional District, unseating Republican Rep. John Duarte in the final U.S. House contest to be decided this year.
Rich Pedroncelli/AP Photo
Both candidates anticipated another close race this year. Gray stated, “We always knew that this race would be as close as they come, and we’re expecting a photo finish this year, too.”
After hearing the results, Duarte conceded the race, telling the Turlock Journal, “That’s how it goes,” while hinting he might consider a future campaign.
What Are the House Election Results?
Gray’s victory finalizes the House seat tally for this election cycle, with Republicans holding 220 seats and Democrats at 215. Despite a difficult year nationally, Democrats flipped three Republican-held seats in California, underscoring localized shifts in the state’s political landscape.
The 13th District, which spans five counties in California’s agricultural heartland, has a Democratic lean of about 11 points over registered Republicans.
Both candidates sought to appeal to the district’s diverse voters, emphasizing bipartisan credentials.
Gray focused on issues including water and agricultural policies, infrastructure, renewable energy, and education, while Duarte prioritized inflation, crime, and water access for farmers.
John Duarte, a Republican candidate in California’s 13th Congressional District, arrives at the Capitol in Washington, Nov. 14, 2022. On Tuesday, Duarte said he had called Adam Gray to concede, adding “That’s how it goes.” John Duarte, a Republican candidate in California’s 13th Congressional District, arrives at the Capitol in Washington, Nov. 14, 2022. On Tuesday, Duarte said he had called Adam Gray to concede, adding “That’s how it goes.” J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo
How Long Do Members of the House of Representatives Serve?
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives serve two-year terms, making every election cycle critical for maintaining or shifting party control. Duarte’s tenure in Congress was brief, following his narrow win in 2022.
Reflecting on his short time in office, Duarte described himself as a “citizen legislator” who “didn’t plan on being in Congress forever.” While his future in politics remains uncertain, his defeat exemplifies the challenges Republicans face in holding competitive districts such as the 13th.
Gray’s victory reflects the evolving political dynamics in California’s Central Valley, where factors including low turnout among working-class voters, including many Latinos, continue to shape election outcomes. His win underscores the ongoing battle for influence in this key region.
This article includes additional reporting from The Associated Press
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