As election season heats up, voters across the Valley are split in their support for congressional candidates John Duarte and former Rep. Adam Gray. Both candidates bring different backgrounds and political accomplishments to the campaign, making this a highly anticipated contest.
The latest polling data for California’s 10th Congressional District shows Duarte and Gray neck and neck. A recent poll from FiveThirtyEight shows Duarte narrowly ahead with 48% of likely voters supporting him, while Gray has 45% support. This narrow lead suggests a closely contested race as both candidates continue to campaign vigorously.
Duarte, a fourth-generation farmer and businessman from Hughson, is president of Duarte Nursery, a family-owned business known for its innovative agricultural practices.
Duarte was elected to Congress in 2020 and his tenure has been marked by a focus on agricultural issues. Duarte has championed several important initiatives:
- Water rights and resources: Duarte is a vocal advocate for water rights, pushing for policies that ensure farmers have reliable access to water. He supports legislation to improve water infrastructure and storage to combat droughts that frequently plague the valley.
- Agricultural innovation: He has promoted technological progress in agriculture and secured funding for research and development projects that benefit local farmers.
- Immigration reform: Duarte recognizes the importance of a stable workforce for the agricultural sector and supports sensible immigration policies that provide a reliable workforce while ensuring fair treatment of workers.
- Support for small businesses: Duarte’s business background is the foundation of his efforts to reduce taxes and regulations that burden small businesses, and he is pushing for economic policies that support local entrepreneurs and spur job growth in the Valley.
Gray, a native of Merced, has proven himself to be a dedicated public servant in a variety of capacities. Prior to his political career, Gray worked as a parliamentary assistant and consultant and gained extensive experience in policymaking. He holds a degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Gray served as a member of the California State Assembly from 2012 to 2020 as a representative of the 21st District. His legislative career has been characterized by his commitment to education, health care, and economic development. Key highlights of his career include:
- Training: Gray is a strong advocate for improving the state’s education system by advocating for increased school funding, support for teacher training programs, and expanded access to higher education.
- Healthcare: Gray’s work in health care includes efforts to expand access to health care and reduce costs, supporting legislation to improve mental health care, and improving health insurance coverage for low-income families.
- Economic development: Gray has focused on creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in the Valley, advocating for policies that support local businesses, attract investment and improve infrastructure.
- Environmental protection: Gray not only supports economic growth, but also values environmental sustainability and supports measures to protect natural resources and promote clean energy.
As the election approaches, voters in California’s 10th Congressional District are coming to terms with the differing priorities and visions of Duarte and Gray and must decide who will best represent their interests in Congress. The campaign has revealed differing priorities and visions for the Valley’s future.
Jane Lopez, 25, a recent college graduate from Los Banos, expressed her support for Gray. “I believe Adam Gray understands the challenges facing young people, especially those of us just starting our careers. His focus on education and job creation is something that really resonates with me. I’ve seen too many friends struggle to find a decent job after graduation, and Gray’s plans for expanding job training and internship opportunities are exactly what we need. Duarte seems to be more focused on agricultural issues, which are important, but Gray’s broader approach to economic development is exactly what we need right now.”
Lopez also highlighted Gray’s commitment to affordable housing. “Real estate prices are skyrocketing and it’s difficult to find an apartment that doesn’t eat up most of your paycheck. Gray’s proposals to create more affordable housing and offer incentives to first-time buyers give me hope.”
Carlos Mendez, 27, a college student from Newman, is in favor of Duarte. “John Duarte has a solid track record of supporting small businesses. He is a vocal advocate for tax and regulatory cuts, which can really help young people like me who hope to start their own business. Duarte understands the pressures small businesses are under, especially post-pandemic. Gray’s policies seem more geared toward larger, urban areas, and I don’t think they would benefit our local economy as much as Duarte’s would.”
Mendez emphasized Duarte’s commitment to better infrastructure. “Improving our local roads and internet access is critical to our area. Duarte’s commitment to these issues means a lot to us here in the valley.”
Susan Thompson, 31, a retired Bay Area teacher who now lives in Gustine, is undecided but leans toward Gray. “Education is my top priority, and Gray has consistently advocated for improving our schools and increasing funding for education programs. He understands the need for smaller classes, better teacher pay and more resources for students. Duarte has some good ideas as well, particularly on agricultural education, but I believe Gray has a more comprehensive plan that could benefit all students.”
Thompson also mentioned the importance of health care in her decision. “As a former teacher, I see how access to health care impacted my students and their families. Gray’s plan to expand health insurance and improve mental health services is something Duarte has not addressed as thoroughly.”
Mark Roberts, 48, a welder from Patterson, is a staunch supporter of Duarte. “Duarte comes from an agricultural background and truly understands the issues we face as farmers. He is a strong advocate for water rights and agricultural policies that support our livelihoods. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy here and Duarte’s efforts to secure water resources and support agricultural innovation are critical.”
Roberts pointed to Duarte’s work on immigration reform as it relates to agriculture. “A reliable workforce is essential for us. Duarte’s approach to a common-sense immigration policy that supports farmworkers is something that Gray has not addressed to the same extent.”
Eleanor Davis, 73, a retired nurse from Gustine, supports Gray. “Health care is very important to me and I believe Gray’s policies will help improve access and affordability for all. As someone who has worked in health care for many years, I know how important it is that our hospitals and clinics are properly funded and supported. Duarte’s focus seems to be elsewhere and while I appreciate his work in other areas, Gray’s commitment to health care is what matters most to me.”
Davis also highlighted Gray’s stance on senior services. “Gray has plans to expand senior services, including better Medicare coverage and more home care support. At my age, these issues are very personal and critical.”
