Rep. Adam Gray (D-Merced), whose 2024 victory in the 13th Congressional District came via the slimmest margin of any race in the nation, has officially kicked off his bid for a second term.
Gray first sought the seat in 2022 but lost to Republican John Duarte by 564 votes – the second-closest race in the nation that November. Two years later, he beat the incumbent in a rematch by just 187 votes – the closest House race of that election cycle.
“I’m going to give it another round here,” said Gray, who filed papers last month, tipping his hand somewhat on his reelection plans. “So, we’ll be putting a campaign team together, establishing an office, organizing volunteers, engaging supporters and announcing some big endorsements over next few weeks. I’m eager to get back into the district and begin knocking on doors – in addition to doing my day job.”
In 2022 and 2024, pollsters listed the Gray-Duarte race as a toss-up. Thus far, the polls show the 13th leaning toward the Democrat. Two Republicans – former Stockton mayor Kevin Lincoln, who has already gained the endorsement of President Donald Trump, and tech CEO Vin Kruttiventi – pose the biggest challenge to Gray.
“I certainly think my Republican opponents have a lot to explain as to why they support the path this administration is on, which is leading to inflation and high prices and a lack of affordability,” the Congressman said.
Gray is way out in front of his opponents when it comes to fundraising. With roughly $1.25 million cash on hand to start the year, according the FEC, his war chest is nearly 10 times larger than Kruttiventi’s and more than six times the size of Lincoln’s. But Gray, who served five terms in the state Assembly between 2012 and 2022, is taking nothing for granted.
“At the end of the day, you’ve got to approach every campaign like 10 points behind and work your tail off,” said Gray. “These last two elections were two of the closest in history, back-to-back. Whether you’ve been in office two years or 10 years, you can’t take any voter for granted.”
Gray said he sought to Congress, in part, to help fix what he called a broken political system, and that he’s proud of what he’s accomplished in his first 16 months on the Hill.
“I’m certainly as frustrated as anybody, but I want to hang in and see this through, because I made a commitment to go to Washington to work on issues that are important for our district, like making sure our farmers have the resources and the water to continue to lead the world in that space,” said Gray, 48, who was one of seven Democrats who broke party ranks last week to move the farm bill out of committee. “I want to remain focused on making life more affordable and enjoyable for people and making sure they can live in good communities that provide plenty of support.
“I’m proud of the work I’ve done, reaching across the aisle at a time when it’s as difficult as it is. I’ve got one of the most bipartisan voting records in Congress. I was one of six Democrats who voted to reopen the government, and one of seven on the farm bill. I’m also proud that I voted against the president’s big stupid bill, and I’ve voted to hold the line when Republicans are doing things that are making the cost of health care, energy and groceries more expensive. I think Washington needs a lot more of that.”
California’s primary election will be held on June 2. The top two vote recipients, regardless of party affiliation, will face off in the general election, slated for Nov. 3.
