“Everybody that you talk to, Republican or Democrat, oftentimes has the same desires – a need for a good education, good schools, a safe community, good roads, a good job. We have different ideas on how we get there, but we all very much want the same things. We’ve got to find a way to move forward as a country to work together and accomplish not just good things but great things for our community and the United States...” Adam Gray (Merced County Times)

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To hear directly from Congressman Gray, watch this short video:

California Politics: Rep. Gray talks about his first few days in office

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

Adam Gray is a native of the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley agricultural region where he worked in his family dairy supply and feed store. He graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara with a BA in Political Science.

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He was elected to the California State Assembly in 2012 and re-elected for four subsequent terms. In that role Assemblyman Gray became a bipartisan problem solver on issues like affordable health care, job creation, education, public safety and protection. of water resources. 

ON THE ISSUES

• Minimize the impact of the “state water grab”and ensure funding for critical water storage.

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• Secure funding for high-skill job training supporting local industries + support funding for early childhood education and school-based healthcare including mental health care. 

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• Secure funding to identify gang leaders and to confiscate ammunition and weapons from the streets; oppose efforts to reduce sentencing before rehabilitation has been completed; work with law enforcement to ban use of the chokehold without jeopardizing officer safety.

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• Support legislation benefiting veterans like the elimination of state taxes on veteran pay, constructing permanent supportive housing for veterans and making it easier for veterans to transition to jobs in the water industry.

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• Secure funding to build a medical education building at UC Merced and to support graduate medical residency programs.

POLITICS IN CALIFORNIA

In 2022, Gray advanced through the “top two” primary system to face John Duarte in CA 13. In what was one of the last races called in the country, Duarte was victorious by .4% – 564 votes. In a 2024 rematch, Rep. Gray defeated incumbent Duarte .09% –  just 187 votes. Trump carried the district by a healthy 5.4%. These margins are indicative of the very competitive CA-13 race anticipated for 2026. In addition to Rep. Gray, four candidates have declared to participate in the "top two" open primary including Kevin Lincoln, Mayor of Stockton CA. Lincoln declared for this race following California's redistricting. He is considered a viable candidate. Additional candidates – including Republicans – will  likely participate in the primary. The California primary is scheduled for 6/2/26.

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The race is rated as Toss-up by both the Cook and Sabato rating services. These ratings, unchanged  following redistricting,  indicate that neither party has an advantage at this point.​​