STANISLAUS COUNTY, Calif. — The rematch between Congressman John Duarte and challenger Adam Gray is close, though the Republican incumbent leads by over 3,000 votes Wednesday morning.
The latest Associated Press numbers show Duarte ahead with 56,785 votes to Gray's 53,596. The AP has not yet called the race as only 52% of votes have been reported.
Duarte captured the seat in 2022 over Democrat Adam Gray by one of the closest margins in the country, 564 votes. The are now in a rematch in the Central Valley’s 13th District.
Incomplete returns showed the two could be headed for another close finish.
Duarte often is listed among the most vulnerable House Republicans, given his narrow margin of victory. Another factor is the district’s Democratic tilt — about 11 points over registered Republicans.
There is a large Latino population, similar to other Central Valley districts, but the most likely voters statewide tend to be white, older, more affluent homeowners. Working-class voters, including many Latinos, are less consistent in getting to the polls.
Both candidates stressed bipartisan credentials in their campaigns.
Duarte, a businessman and major grape and almond farmer, has said his priorities include curbing inflation, crime rates and obtaining adequate water supplies for farmers in the drought-prone state.
Gray, a former legislator, has been critical of state water management and puts water and agriculture at the top of his issues list. He also says he wants improvements in infrastructure, renewable energy and education.
"While this race is still too early to call, I believe that once every ballot is counted, voters will have rejected John Duarte’s partisan gridlock in favor of accountable and independent leadership," Gray said in a statement.
Election Results: California's 13th Congressional District
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When do we find out who won the election?
Voters will start to see results not long after 8 p.m., but keep in mind, these aren't the final results. Every number seen on election night are unofficial results.
While some elections might be called on election night, that's generally a projection from media outlets or experts. Governments don't call elections. Mail-in ballots, provisional ballots, ballots from registered voters in the military deployed over seas and more all get counted for the final result.
The last day for counties to certify results is Dec. 5. The Secretary of State will then have until Dec. 7 to certify the vote, with the Statement of Vote certified on Dec. 13.
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