Duarte and Gray go head to head at the State Theatre in downtown Modesto
The State Theatre in Modesto was the venue for a rematch two years in the making. While local pistachio farmer turned politician John Duarte fights to hold onto his seat in Congress, former California Assemblyman Adam Gray vies for a second shot at the House after serving 10 years as a state legislator.
The two candidates sought the coveted CA-13 House seat in 2022, with Duarte pulling ahead by 564 votes. Friday night, they vied to sway debate attendees in a theater that seats about the same number of people, 550.
The debate began at 7:30 p.m., to a packed house. Duarte supporters wore orange T-shirts that read “Send a farmer to Congress” with his name emblazoned on the front. Gray’s supporters wore buttons with his name.
The race is one of the closest and most consequential in the country, with the result possibly determining which party controls the House.
Both candidates fought as true centrists, even agreeing at one point on the issue of same-sex marriage.
“I want same-sex marriage available, protected, enshrined, respected and celebrated every day,” Duarte said. “I couldn’t support it more and I’m proud to stand by it.”
Gray responded that this is obviously something he and the congressman agree on, but added, “I’d love to see his Republican Party also join us.”
To which Duarte responded, “I must be a moderate.”
Duarte highlighted an immigration bill he introduced earlier in the day. He noted that Republicans and Democrats alike are likely to go after him for it, but he said it’s the kind of bipartisan legislation he supports. Gray criticized Duarte for the legislation’s timing and proximity to the election.
Duarte and Gray both reiterated their stance on abortion rights, Duarte defending his position in supporting the “Born Alive” bill and asserting himself once again as a pro-choice candidate. Gray brought up Duarte’s endorsement by Californians For Life and suggested that people should be offended by Duarte’s attempts to muddle the meaning of pro-choice.
Among other topics discussed were their positions on housing, water, income and inflation, Social Security and Medicare, gas prices, high-speed rail, DACA recipients and how each would support Latino constituents.
Though it was discouraged by the presenters, there were several moments of loud applause for both candidates, along with a few low boos.
All in all, the debate was largely respectful and neither candidate seemed keen to wade heavily into what was happening at the presidential level.
The candidates have another chance to convince last-minute voters they have what it takes at another debate in Sacramento on Oct. 31 on Fox40.
This story was originally published October 26, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
