From left, U.S. Rep. Adam Gray and Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln. Photos via the U.S. House of Representatives and Lincoln’s campaign website
Democratic Rep. Adam Gray knows all too well that every vote makes a difference.
Two years ago, it took The Associated Press more than a month after Election Day to declare Gray won the race to represent California’s 13th Congressional District, the tightest U.S. House race in the country. By a mere 187 votes, Gray unseated incumbent Republican Rep. John Duarte, to whom Gray lost by just 564 votes two years earlier.
This year Gray will likely benefit from the blue wave that polls show is sweeping the nation, as well as the pro-Democratic redistricting California voters approved last fall. The odds look favorable and the well-respected Cook Political Report moved the race from “toss-up” to “lean Dem” back in January.
But Gray and House Democrats — who recently sent their campaign committee chair to rally support in Modesto — aren’t leaving anything to chance.
“It’s always competitive, because people aren’t looking to rubber stamp the political parties. They’re looking for somebody who actually puts them first,” Gray said in an interview.
The 13th District, which stretches…
