Adam Gray

Adam Gray represents 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 was elected to the California State Assembly 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.

Gray's ability to find common ground with Republicans served him well when he ran for Congress in 2020, defeating the GOP incumbent.

Since arriving in DC, Gray has continued that bipartisan approach, serving on the House Agriculture Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He has used those positions to champion issues like expanding broadband access, upgrading rural roads and bridges, and securing funding for water storage projects critical to his drought-stricken district.

While generally aligned with the Democratic Party, Gray has shown independence at times, breaking with his caucus on certain votes. He has also been a vocal proponent of trade policies that support Central Valley agriculture.

In November, Gray faces Republican John Duarte in a rematch of the 2022 race, when Duarte won with congressional race by less than half of a percentage point. Democrats make up 42% of registered voters in the district, while Republicans make up 29%.