Biography
Adam Channing Gray, born on September 23, 1977, in Merced, California, is a Democratic politician representing California's 13th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Raised working in his family's dairy supply and feed store, Gray has deep roots in the Central Valley. He began his political career as a staffer for several California lawmakers before serving a decade in the California State Assembly, representing the 21st District from 2012 to 2022. In 2024, Gray successfully unseated Republican incumbent John Duarte in a closely contested race to represent CA-13.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Attended Merced College.
- Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
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Political Experience:
- Served as a staffer for California Assembly members Dennis Cardoza, Herb Wesson, Fabian Nunez, and Jerome Horton.
- Elected to the California State Assembly in 2012, representing the 21st District, encompassing Merced County and parts of Stanislaus County.
- Founded the California Problem Solvers Caucus, promoting bipartisan solutions to state issues.
- Led the New Democratic Caucus, focusing on centrist, pragmatic policies.
- Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024, representing California's 13th Congressional District.
Notable Achievements and Positions
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Healthcare:
- Secured over $200 million to establish a joint medical school at UC Merced and UCSF-Fresno to address the region's doctor shortage.
- Passed legislation to double operating hours for rural health clinics, improving access for working families.
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Water and Agriculture:
- Led efforts against the State Water Grab, organizing significant rallies and advancing legislation to protect Central Valley water rights.
- Secured nearly $3 billion for new water storage projects, $200 million for canal repairs, and $60 million to support groundwater basins.
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Public Safety:
- Obtained $4.5 million to develop a gang violence reduction program in Merced County, leading to the arrest of over 50 gang leaders and a significant decrease in the murder rate.
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Infrastructure:
- Secured $400 million to extend the Altamont Corridor Express train to Modesto and Merced, enhancing transportation connectivity in the region.
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Committee Assignments:
- Appointed to the House Agriculture Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee, focusing on issues critical to the Central Valley.
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Caucus Memberships:
- Serves as the Whip of the Blue Dog Coalition, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and national security.
- Member of the New Democrat Coalition, advocating for pro-growth, innovative policies.
Gray's legislative efforts reflect his commitment to addressing the unique challenges of California's Central Valley, focusing on healthcare access, water resource management, public safety, and infrastructure development.
