Adam Gray
California, Congress (CA-13)
Adam Gray is running to represent California's 13th congressional district, which includes the Central Valley city of Merced. A moderate Democrat, Gray has carved out a niche as a pragmatic problem-solver focused on issues important to his agriculturally dominated district.
Born and raised in Merced, Gray comes from a family with deep roots in the region's farming community. He attended the University of California, Davis, where he earned a degree in agricultural economics before working as a consultant in the private sector. Gray worked as a legislative aide with the California State Legislature and an assistant lecturer with the University of California at Merced.
He spent 10 years in the California State Assembly, having been elected in 2012. There, Gray developed a reputation as an independent voice willing to work across the aisle. He chaired the Assembly Agriculture Committee and was a leading advocate for water infrastructure investment and regulatory relief for farmers. In the State Assembly, Gray led the New Democratic Caucus, addressed a doctor shortage, and secured funding to extend the ACE train to Modesto and Merced.
In November, Gray faces Republican John Duarte in a rematch of the 2022 race, when Duarte won by less than half of a percentage point. Democrats make up 42% of registered voters in the district, while Republicans make up 29%.
Born and raised in Merced, Gray comes from a family with deep roots in the region's farming community. He attended the University of California, Davis, where he earned a degree in agricultural economics before working as a consultant in the private sector. Gray worked as a legislative aide with the California State Legislature and an assistant lecturer with the University of California at Merced.
He spent 10 years in the California State Assembly, having been elected in 2012. There, Gray developed a reputation as an independent voice willing to work across the aisle. He chaired the Assembly Agriculture Committee and was a leading advocate for water infrastructure investment and regulatory relief for farmers. In the State Assembly, Gray led the New Democratic Caucus, addressed a doctor shortage, and secured funding to extend the ACE train to Modesto and Merced.
In November, Gray faces Republican John Duarte in a rematch of the 2022 race, when Duarte won by less than half of a percentage point. Democrats make up 42% of registered voters in the district, while Republicans make up 29%.
On the Issues
Gray's priorities can be seen in his accomplishments during his years in the state legislature. His work includes:
• Education – Securing $500,000 for after-school programs at the district’s Boys & Girls Clubs; supporting $2.7 billion for transitional kindergarten to all 4-year-olds; securing $100 million to establish school-based health centers
• Healthcare – Wrote legislation that doubled operating hours for health clinics; secured funding to cover continuous glucose monitors under Medi-Cal.
• Veterans – Supported legislation to eliminate tax on veteran retirement pay; wrote legislation to enable professionally licensed veterans to work in California without unnecessary testing.
Events and Actions
There are no upcoming events.
