Rep. Adam Gray (D-Merced), whose 13th Congressional District includes a portion of Turlock, has been named co-chair of Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell’s campaign to become the next governor of California.

“I’m excited for him and his candidacy,” said Gray, who spoke with the Journal after leaving the House floor where he cast his vote to extend health care subsidies for another three years. “Congressman Swalwell certainly has the experience. He was a city councilman in the city of Dublin, he was a prosecutor in Alameda County and he’s been a Congressman who has passed laws and been a successful leader. I think he’s focused on the right things, and if you look at what he’s been talking about, he wants to make sure the American Dream — the California Dream — is alive for everybody.”

The 45-year-old Swalwell, who attended elementary school in Modesto, announced his entry into the race on the Nov. 20 episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” In the seven weeks since his entry, the seven-term Congressman has raised more than $3 million. He’s part of a crowded field that includes former Democratic Congresswoman Katie Porter, who announced her candidacy in March. They are the co-favorites among Democratic voters (Swalwell holds a slight advantage) at this stage of the race, according to an Emerson College poll. Overall, the poll shows Swalwell and Porter, along with Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, all hovering between 13 and 11 percent — within the margin of error for either leading the field or bringing up the rear.

“I think Congressman Swalwell will be barnstorming the state and getting into every community,” said Gray. “At his recent rally in Fresno, several thousand showed up and he’ll continue to be in communities in every corner of state.”

Gray served five terms in the state Assembly before running for Congress in 2020, when Republican John Duarte won the seat by just 564 votes. In the 2022 rematch, Gray won by 187 votes. His main competition this year will be a pair of Republicans — former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln and businessman Vin Kruttiventi. 

Gray said being the co-chair of Swalwell’s campaign won’t affect his congressional duties.

“My day job will remain unchanged, and I’ll spend my weeks in Washington serving the people of the 13th Congressional District,” said Gray. “I’m working to make sure folks are aware of the good work I’m doing, and that includes doing anything and everything to make sure we have a governor who takes this state in the right direction.”

Swalwell has been a boisterous critic of President Donald Trump and his administration, rarely shying away from an opportunity to state the case of the loyal opposition. On Thursday, he delivered a scathing response to Wednesday’s shooting of Renee Good by a masked ICE agent in Minneapolis.

“If my Republican colleagues are going to do nothing right now, you better believe accountability is coming,” said Swalwell. “Here’s what it looks like: The masks are coming off; identification is coming out; immunity is going to be stripped. And to (Secretary of Homeland Security) Kristi Noem, (Border Czar) Tom ‘Cashbag’ Homan, and (U.S. Border Patrol official) Greg Bovino, your asses are going to be in these (congressional) witness chairs.”

Gray said he agrees with Swalwell’s tough stance.

“I absolutely agree with my friend and colleague on accountability, and accountability should be coming,” said Gray. “I support law enforcement officers 100 percent. But with great power comes great responsibility, and we hold them to a higher standard because of that.

“As a former prosecutor, Swalwell understands the need to support the law enforcement community, and that covering up illegal or bad behavior puts the entire law enforcement community at risk. But we need to investigate and get all the facts, and anyone who has broken the law should be held accountable.”

The primary election is June 2.