Former Assemblymember Adam Gray (D-Merced) announced this week that he will officially kick off his campaign for the 13th congressional district seat — currently held by Rep. John Duarte (R-Hughson) — today at 10 a.m. at 541 W. Main St., Merced.

“It’s time for our valley to be represented by someone who won’t bow to party bosses, but will stand up for our valley,” said Gray. “It’s time for us to be heard. It’s time for our valley to be represented by someone who actually lives in the district.”

Gray and Duarte squared off in 2022 in a race to represent the newly drawn district. It was the second-closest congressional race in the nation, with Duarte winning by a slim 564-vote margin.

Turnout was low because the district was new to voters, Gray contends.

He said he does not expect that to be the case in 2024.

“We’re making sure they understand the importance of this race, in this place, this year,” said Gray, who served for 10 years in Sacramento and gained a reputation as a bipartisan dealmaker.

Gray helped secure $220 million into the state budget to fund the UC Merced medical arts building, which will break ground in the spring. He also organized a rally that brought 1,500 farmers, students, business owners and food workers to the steps of the state capitol to demonstrate for water conservation. Gray also pointed out that he helped secure $40 million to restore wetlands, including projects that helped save many communities from flooding last year.

“The choice is pretty clear,” said Gray. “Do you want to see more of the same dead-end political nonsense we’ve seen throughout the past year, or do you want to get things done? As my record proves, I get results.”

For more information, contact Mike Dunbar at 209-404-5569, or Lisa Mantarro-Moore at 209-918-9988.