FILE - The U.S. House of Representatives chamber is seen Dec. 8, 2008, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - Nearly a month after Election Day, the final U.S. House race in the 2024 election was called on Tuesday, with Democrat Adam Gray capturing California’s 13th Congressional District – unseating Republican Rep. John Duarte.
California's 13th district was one of the most competitive House races in the Golden State. Gray won by a mere 187 votes, according to the Associated Press' election results.
His win means Republicans still maintained the majority with 220 U.S. House seats, and Democrats won 215.
Beyond the House, the GOP also secured a majority in the Senate and won the White House.
Democrat Adam Gray captures California’s 13th US House District
Duarte first captured the seat in California's 13th Congressional District in 2022 when he defeated Gray by one of the closest margins in the country, 564 votes.
He was often listed among the most vulnerable House Republicans given that narrow margin of victory in a district with a Democratic tilt — about 11 points over registered Republicans.
Gray won this election by a margin of less than 200 votes, with election officials reporting Tuesday that all ballots had been counted.
Duarte told the Turlock Journal he had called Gray to concede, adding "That’s how it goes."
"I’m a citizen legislator, and I didn’t plan on being in Congress forever," Duarte told the newspaper, though he didn’t rule out a possible future campaign.
Both Gray and Duarte stressed bipartisan credentials during the campaign.
Gray, a former legislator, was critical of state water management and put water and agriculture at the top of his issues list. He also said he wants improvements in infrastructure, renewable energy and education.
Duarte, a businessman and major grape and almond farmer, said his priorities included curbing inflation, crime rates and obtaining adequate water supplies for farmers in the drought-prone state.
What is the House majority?
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It takes 218 seats to have a majority in the House, which Republicans crossed weeks ago.
Gray was the ninth Democrat to flip a House seat in the 2024 election, while the GOP flipped eight seats – slipping the Republican majority. Three Republican members – Elise Stefanik, Michael Waltz and Matt Gaetz – were picked for the incoming Trump administration, though Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration, and it may take several months to fill those seats.
While the GOP has 220 seats to Democrats’ 215, the Republican majority is thin, and a highly-functioning House isn’t guaranteed, according to the Associated Press.
The Republican majority depends on a small group of lawmakers who won tough elections by running as moderates. It remains to be seen whether they will stay on board and along party lines for some of the more extreme proposals championed by Trump and his allies.
Map: Final House election results
If you're having trouble viewing the map above, click here to see the AP's complete House race results.