In a significant political development, Democrat Adam Gray has narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Rep. John Duarte in the closely contested race for California’s 13th Congressional District. This victory marks the final congressional seat claimed in the 2024 election cycle.

Gray, hailing from Merced, secured the win with a margin of just 187 votes, leading to Duarte’s concession on Tuesday evening. After initially trailing for the first three weeks of vote counting, Gray took the lead on November 26 as mail ballots began to favor him.

In a statement, Gray expressed gratitude to his campaign supporters and emphasized his commitment to providing “independent and accountable leadership” for the district. He pledged to focus on bipartisan cooperation to improve “clean water, better educational opportunities, stronger infrastructure, and better-paying jobs.”

Duarte, reflecting on his defeat, noted, “That’s how it goes,” and indicated his intent to remain involved in public service, leaving the door open for future political endeavors.

With this victory, Democrats have flipped three congressional seats in California from Republican control. Despite this shift, Republicans will maintain a slim majority in the House of Representatives, holding 220 seats compared to the Democrats’ 215.

The 13th Congressional District, which stretches from Coalinga to Modesto, has a voter registration landscape that favors Democrats on paper, with 42% registered as Democrats, 29% as Republicans, and 22% with no party affiliation. However, the Central Valley is known for its politically mixed electorate, where conservative Democrats often support Republican candidates.

Gray’s win was particularly notable as it was a rematch of the 2022 election, where Duarte had defeated him by just 564 votes. This year’s campaign saw Duarte advocating for policies aimed at reducing gas prices and the cost of living, positioning himself as a moderate Republican. In contrast, Gray presented himself as a “radical centrist,” highlighting his decade of experience in the state Assembly.

As the political landscape in California evolves, Gray’s victory signals a shifting tide in the Central Valley, an area that continues to play a crucial role in the broader national political dynamics.

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