California

Democrat Adam Gray flips California seat in last House race to be called

Published

1 year ago

December 4, 2024

Democrat Adam Gray flips California seat in last House race to be called

Democrat Adam Gray has claimed victory in California’s 13th Congressional District, unseating Republican Rep. John Duarte in the final unresolved U.S. House race of the year. The results, announced Tuesday, mark a significant shift in the district’s representation.

Gray’s win, secured by a slim margin, contributes to the Democrats’ efforts to regain ground in a challenging election cycle, with Republicans maintaining a narrow House majority.

What Were the Results in California’s 13th Congressional District?

Gray emerged victorious by fewer than 200 votes after election officials confirmed that all ballots had been counted. The tight outcome mirrored the district’s 2022 race, where Duarte narrowly defeated Gray by only 564 votes in one of the nation’s closest contests.

Central Valley Assembly members, Democrat Adam Gray, of Merced, center, and Republican Heath Flora of Ripon, right, confer during the Assembly session at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., May 27, 2022. On Tuesday, Gray captured…

Rich Pedroncelli/AP Photo

Both candidates anticipated another close race this year. Gray stated, “We always knew that this race would be as close as they come, and we’re expecting a photo finish this year, too.”

After hearing the results, Duarte conceded the race, telling the Turlock Journal, “That’s how it goes,” while hinting he might consider a future campaign.

What Are the House Election Results?

Gray’s victory finalizes the House seat tally for this election cycle, with Republicans holding 220 seats and Democrats at 215. Despite a difficult year nationally, Democrats flipped three Republican-held seats in California, underscoring localized shifts in the state’s political landscape.

The 13th District, which spans five counties in California’s agricultural heartland, has a Democratic lean of about 11 points over registered Republicans.

Both candidates sought to appeal to the district’s diverse voters, emphasizing bipartisan credentials.

Gray focused on issues including water and agricultural policies, infrastructure, renewable energy, and education, while Duarte prioritized inflation, crime, and water access for farmers.

John Duarte, a Republican candidate in California’s 13th Congressional District, arrives at the Capitol in Washington, Nov. 14, 2022. On Tuesday, Duarte said he had called Adam Gray to concede, adding “That’s how it goes.”

J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo

How Long Do Members of the House of Representatives Serve?

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives serve two-year terms, making every election cycle critical for maintaining or shifting party control. Duarte’s tenure in Congress was brief, following his narrow win in 2022.

Reflecting on his short time in office, Duarte described himself as a “citizen legislator” who “didn’t plan on being in Congress forever.” While his future in politics remains uncertain, his defeat exemplifies the challenges Republicans face in holding competitive districts such as the 13th.

Gray’s victory reflects the evolving political dynamics in California’s Central Valley, where factors including low turnout among working-class voters, including many Latinos, continue to shape election outcomes. His win underscores the ongoing battle for influence in this key region.

This article includes additional reporting from The Associated Press

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California

Loved ones search for missing 15-year-old Southern California girl

Published

4 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Press Room

Loved ones search for missing 15-year-old Southern California girl

Loved ones are searching for a Southern California girl who has been missing for more than six months.

Keylin Reyes-Moreno, 15, was reported missing on Sept. 22, 2025, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Reyes-Moreno was last seen in the Pacoima area.

She is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 120 pounds. She has brown hair and dark brown eyes.

Keylin Reyes-Moreno, 15, was last seen in Pacoima on Sept. 22, 2025. (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)

She may have been heading to the Los Angeles area when she disappeared.

Her family did not mention any health or mental issues that would’ve contributed to her disappearance. They have not heard from her since and are very concerned for her well-being.

Anyone who may know Keylin Reyes-Moreno’s whereabouts or has information on the case is asked to call NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678 or the Los Angeles Police Department at 877-275-5273.

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California

Springs Fire in southern California reaches 45% containment as evacuations continue

Published

16 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Press Room

Springs Fire in southern California reaches 45% containment as evacuations continue

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Crews were making progress Saturday battling a fast-growing and smoky wildfire in southern California that broke out Friday morning, prompting mandatory evacuations and warnings.

Now encompassing roughly 6.3 square miles (about 16 square kilometers) east of Moreno Valley in Riverside County, the Springs Fire was 45% percent contained on Saturday, according to a state website. It was 25% contained on Friday.

More than a dozen zones in the county remained under mandatory evacuation orders or evacuation warnings, while six have been dropped. It was not immediately known how many households were affected by the orders.

Firefighters were battling strong winds. The National Weather Service issued an advisory for 15 mph to 20 mph winds, with gusts up to 45 mph, into Saturday afternoon. An air quality alert has also been issued for harmful fine particle pollution levels due to wildfire smoke.

Hundreds of people have been battling the blaze using helicopters, engines and water tenders. It’s located in a populated unincorporated part of Riverside County, in a recreational area near the city of Moreno Valley, which has a population of roughly 200,000. The city is 10 miles southeast of Riverside and 64 miles east of Los Angeles.

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California

A fast-growing wildfire in windy Southern California triggers evacuations

Published

1 day ago

April 3, 2026

Press Room

A fast-growing wildfire in windy Southern California triggers evacuations

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — A smoky and fast-growing wildfire Friday in windy Southern California has prompted multiple evacuation orders and warnings.

The Springs Fire broke out at around 11 a.m. Friday and by the evening had grown to about 5.47 square miles (14.17 square kilometers), with fire crews starting to contain it. The cause of the fire east of Moreno Valley in Riverside County is under investigation. It was not immediately known how many households are under evacuation warnings or orders.

The fire was burning in a populated — but not densely so — unincorporated part of Riverside County, in a recreational area near the city of Moreno Valley, which has a population of roughly 200,000. The city is 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of Riverside and 64 miles (103 kilometers) east of Los Angeles.

Springs Fire In Moreno Valley Explodes To Burn Over 3,500 Acres — A firefighting aircraft sprays red flame retardant at the site of the Springs Fire, on Friday.Qian Weizhong / VCG via Getty Images

“It’s windy out there,” said Maggie Cline De La Rosa, a public information officer for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in Riverside County.

Alex Izaguirre, a spokesperson for the Cal Fire Riverside County, said the wind is “spreading the smoke,” prompting concerned calls from residents in neighboring cities who can see and smell the smoke.

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for San Bernardino and Riverside County valleys through Saturday afternoon, with gusts of up to 50 mph (80 kph) expected.

“Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” the advisory read.

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