US House control teeters on the unlikely battleground of heavily Democratic California
California’s reputation as a hothouse of progressive politics is being tested in a string of U.S. House contests that are again expected to play into which party controls the chamber next year. …In the 13th District, Republican Rep. John Duarte is facing Adam Gray, the Democrat he defeated two years ago by one of the closest margins in the country, 564 votes. Duarte often is listed among the House’s most vulnerable Republicans, given that narrow victory. Both candidates have been stressing bipartisan credentials. Duarte, a businessman and major grape and almond farmer, says his priorities include curbing inflation and crime and securing adequate supplies water for farmers, a perennial issue in the valley. Gray, a former legislator, has criticized 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.
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