California’s Congressional District 13 race was the second-closest in the country. Republican incumbent John Duarte won his 2022 race by 564 votes. He’s facing former California Assembly Representative, Democrat Adam Gray, in a 2024 rematch.
Duarte’s campaign website has three paragraphs on his proposed approach to the economy if re-elected, which include his values guiding his approach to economic policy:
“To address these pressing issues, it is crucial to implement policies that put the well-being of working families, small businesses, and farmers first. This can be achieved by lowering taxes and reducing unnecessary regulations. Additionally, it is essential to focus on resolving the water scarcity issue in California. By bringing water back to the region, we can stimulate economic growth and put more money directly into the hands of Valley families. Supporting policies that foster abundance and opportunity will help our country get back to normal.”
Adam Gray’s campaign website does not feature a section describing his proposed economic policies. Instead, he’s campaigning on local issues, including water and agriculture, education, public safety, veterans’ issues, and healthcare.
Gray’s record in the state assembly includes voting for AB 205 in 2022. AB 205 created a new program to assist Californians struggling to pay their utility bills. The bill created a $1.2 billion program that made Californians with past-due utility bills from the COVID-19 pandemic eligible for utility assistance. The bill also allocated $200 million for demand side grid support incentives.
In January 2024, Duarte voted for the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. The Act would increase the refundable portion of the child tax credit through 2025. It passed the House of Representatives in January 2024.
“Today, we took a critical step in creating more opportunity for the American people. The provisions in this bill directly helps my district – from working families struggling to make ends meet to the small businesses who employ our residents. I’m committed to uplifting people in the Valley, and strengthening our nation’s economy,” said Rep. Duarte in a press release.
In his final months in office, Gray voted for SB 951. The bill expanded disability benefits and created an eight-week family leave weekly benefit allowance. SB 951 also set disability benefits at 70% of an employee’s quarterly wage, and family leave was set at 90% of an employee’s quarterly wage.
California faces a budget deficit as much as $45 billion because state spending it outpacing tax collections even though Californians pay among the highest taxes in the nation.
In March 2024, Duerte voted for the Lower Energy Costs Act. It would have increased oil and natural gas production in the United States. The bill also reduced permit restrictions for large energy projects.
California gas prices have risen from $3.26 per gallon in January 2021 to $4.45 per gallon in August 2024. Gas prices peaked at $6.29 per gallon in June 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. California gas prices had been rising steadily since May 2020, but increased faster after the invasion.
