Freshman Congressman Adam Gray (D-Merced), representing California’s 13th district, has received appointments to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources committees, his office said Tuesday.

Gray will join Rep. Jim Costa of Fresno, a fellow Democrat, on the Agriculture Committee, giving the Valley a strong 1-2 punch of farming issues.

The committee dictates federal agriculture policy and is responsible for the Farm Bill, the most impactful legislative package for American farmers and ranchers.

Gray Joins McClintock on Natural Resources Committee

Gray will also serve on the Natural Resources Committee, which has oversight of federal lands, water, and wildlife, as well as energy and mineral resources.

Veteran Rep. Tom McClintock, a Republican whose sprawling district includes portions of Fresno, Madera, and Stanislaus counties, is also on the Natural Resources Committee. This pairing forms a 1-2 bipartisan punch on a committee vital to Valley interests.

These assignments provide Gray with an avenue to draft legislation on food production, water storage, irrigation, and other issues impacting the ag community.

“The San Joaquin Valley feeds families in every state in the nation, but Washington treats our priorities as an afterthought,” said Gray in a statement. “That’s why I’m proud to announce that I will serve on both the Agriculture and Natural Resources committees, where I will ensure that farmers, dairymen, and agricultural communities get our fair share.

“The Valley has made it clear they want practical solutions to real problems  — not empty political promises. That’s why I’m focused on finding common ground with anyone who’s serious about delivering results for our communities.”

Related Story: Rep. Jim Costa Loses Bid to Become Democrats’ Top Ag Committee Member

How Gray Got to Congress

Gray, a former state Assemblymember, edged one-term incumbent Republican Rep. John Duarte in the final U.S. House race to be decided. In 2022, Duarte won the open seat by narrowly defeating Gray.

The 13th District encompasses Merced County and parts of Madera, Fresno, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin counties.