District: CA-13
Cook Political Ranking: Lean D
Performance Voter Index: D+2
Rep. Adam Gray was elected to serve California’s 13th Congressional district in 2024. Prior to Congress, Gray served California’s 21st district in the state assembly representing Merced and Stanislaus County for a decade.

California is one of the most progressive states in the nation but is also home to a handful of swing districts like CA-13. This seat encompasses all of Merced County and portions of Stanislaus, Madera, Fresno, and San Joaquin counties. Classified as a Toss Up by the Cook Political Report, in 2024, Adam Gray challenged and defeated Republican incumbent Rep. John Duarte in an incredibly close contest with a difference of just 187 votes. This race was a rematch from the 2022 contest where Duarte defeated Gray by less than 1 percentage point (564 votes). In a district as competitive as CA-13, fundraising has proven to be a huge factor. Gray outraised Duarte by almost $2 million: Gray raised $6.4 million, compared to Duarte’s $4.5 million. Outside spending was significant in this race with super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups spending just shy of $25 million in this district.