Summary

Current Position: Farmer, businessman of District 13
Affiliation: Republican
District:    all of Merced County; most of the population of Madera County; and parts of Stanislaus, Fresno, and San Joaquin Counties. It includes the cities of Merced, Madera, Ceres, Patterson, Lathrop, Chowchilla, Atwater, Coalinga, and Mendota; as well as the southern parts of both Modesto and Turlock.[

John Scott Duarte is an American politician, businessman, nurseryman, and pistachio farmer. In 1989, Duarte began his career as a vice president of sales for Duarte Trees & Vines, which was founded by his parents in 1988. In 2007, he became the company’s chief executive officer and president.

OnAir Post: John Duarte CA-13

News

Six California House races that could help determine control of Congress
Los Angeles Times, Julia WickApril 26, 2024

California House Districts 13, 22, 27, 41, 45, and 47.

Over 2,000 miles west of the nation’s Capitol, the battle for control of the House of Representatives in 2025 is being waged in farmland along Highway 99, fast-growing commuter communities north and east of Los Angeles and Orange County beach towns and inland suburbs.

While Republicans currently have a razor-thin majority in the House, partisan makeup of next year’s Congress will almost certainly be decided this November — at least in part — by a handful of hypercompetitive California races.

California “is, along with New York, one of the two most important paths to potential Democratic control of the House,” said Dave Wasserman, senior editor and elections analyst for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.

i
Media

About

Source: Government

Congressman John Duarte is a fourth-generation farmer, businessman, and Valley native who proudly calls Modesto, California home. Currently, Congressman Duarte is serving his first term in the 118th Congress as Representative of California’s 13th District. He and his wife, Alexandra have run a farming operation of vineyards and orchards together in the Central Valley since 1989. John and Alexandra are also the parents of four wonderful children that they are proud to have raised in the Central Valley’s public school system.

Congressman Duarte holds key subcommittee assignments across three committees, reflecting his diverse interests and expertise. Within the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he serves as the Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, playing a crucial role in shaping policies related to transportation infrastructure. Additionally, he serves on the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, where he works on issues concerning transportation safety and efficiency. Congressman Duarte is a member of the Subcommittee on Water Resources, focusing on water management and related infrastructure projects. On the House Natural Resources Committee, he contributes to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, advocating for responsible stewardship of water resources and wildlife conservation. In addition, he serves on the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, addressing matters related to energy production and mineral extraction.

Through his work on the House Committee on Agriculture, Congressman Duarte brings his expertise to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit, examining policies concerning agricultural commodities and financial support. Among his other assignments, Congressman Duarte serves on the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology, emphasizing sustainable farming practices and advancements in agricultural research. Through these subcommittee assignments, Congressman John Duarte actively participates in shaping legislation and policies that impact California’s 13th Congressional District.

Personal

Full Name: John Duarte

Gender: Male

Family: Wife: Alexandra; 4 Children

Birth Place: Hughson

Home City: Modesto, CA

Source:

Education

MBA, Business Administration and Management, University of the Pacific, 1994-1997

BBA, Finance, San Diego State University, 1985-1989

Political Experience

Representative, United States House of Representatives, California, District 13, 2023-present

Candidate, United States House of Representatives, California, District 13, 2022

Professional Experience

President, Duarte Nursery, Incorporated, 1989-Present

Offices

Washington DC Office
1535 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-1947
Office Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm ET

California Office
90 S. First Street
Turlock, CA 95380
Phone: (209) 226-6880
Office Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm PT

Contact

Email: Government

Web Links

Politics

Source: none

Election Results

To learn more, go to the wikipedia section in this post.

Finances

Source: Vote Smart

Committees

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Infrastructure is the backbone of the United States economy. As a Member of the House Transportation Committee, I work on legislation surrounding a wide range of issues related to transportation, infrastructure development, and public works projects. The committee plays a crucial role in shaping transportation and infrastructure policy, as well as overseeing the implementation of existing laws and regulations in these areas.

Our jurisdiction covers various modes of transportation, including aviation, highways, railroads, pipelines, and maritime transportation. We also address issues related to water resources, including flood control, navigation, and water supply. Additionally, the committee deals with infrastructure development and maintenance, such as the construction of roads, bridges, airports, and public buildings. We are responsible for crafting legislation, conducting hearings, and engaging in oversight activities to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the nation’s transportation and infrastructure systems.

House Natural Resources Committee

As a Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, I am dedicated to ensuring the safe and effective use of our abundant natural resources. Our primary responsibility is to oversee and legislate matters related to the management and conservation of natural resources, including federal and public lands, water resources, wildlife, energy production, national parks, offshore drilling, renewable energy development, mining, and endangered species protection. The committee plays a crucial role in shaping policies and laws that impact the nation’s environmental and natural resource sectors, and provides oversight on various agencies and departments, including the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy, and the U.S. Forest Service.

House Committee on Agriculture

As a lifelong farmer, I am honored to be a member of the House Agriculture Committee. We are responsible for the oversight and regulation of policies related to agriculture, rural development, food safety, nutrition, and forestry. The committee plays a crucial role in shaping agricultural legislation and policies that impact farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and consumers across the country. Additionally, the Committee conducts hearings and oversight of the Department of Agriculture.

Specifically, our jurisdiction covers a wide range of issues, such as crop insurance, farm subsidies, agricultural research, food assistance programs, and trade policies affecting agricultural products. We work closely with industry stakeholders, advocacy groups, and other governmental bodies to develop policies that support the sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness of the agricultural sector while addressing the needs and concerns of American farmers and consumers.

Congressman Duarte is a member of the following caucuses:

New Legislation

Sponsored Legislation
Co-Sponsored Legislation

Issues

Source: Government page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Information

Services

Source: Government page

District

Source: Wikipedia

California’s 13th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California. John Duarte, a Republican, has represented this district since January 2023.

The 13th district no longer consists of the northwestern portion of Alameda County. Cities in the former 13th district included Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, Piedmont, and San Leandro.

In the 2022 redistricting cycle, the district was moved to the San Joaquin Valley, while the old 13th district was renumbered as the 12th. The new 13th district includes all of Merced County; most of the population of Madera County; and parts of Stanislaus, Fresno, and San Joaquin Counties. It includes the cities of Merced, Madera, Ceres, Patterson, Lathrop, Chowchilla, Atwater, Coalinga, and Mendota; as well as the southern parts of both Modesto and Turlock. The new 13th district is considered a Democratic-leaning swing district. Despite that, Duarte was narrowly elected to represent it in 2022. As a result, it was one of 18 districts that would have voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election had they existed in their current configuration while being won or held by a Republican in 2022.

Wikipedia

John Scott Duarte (/duˈɑːrt/ doo-AR-tay; born September 9, 1966)[1] is an American politician, businessman, and farmer.[2][3][4] A member of the Republican Party, he has served as the U.S. representative for California’s 13th congressional district since 2023.[5]

Early life and education

Duarte was born on September 9, 1966, in Modesto, California, to Jim and Anita Duarte.[citation needed] He is of Portuguese ancestry.[6] Duarte graduated from the University of the Pacific’s Eberhardt School of Business with an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in finance from San Diego State University in 1989.[7]

Early career

In 1989, Duarte began his career as a vice president of sales for Duarte Trees & Vines, which was founded by his parents in 1988. In 2007, he became the company’s chief executive officer and president.[8]

In 2017, Duarte was ordered to pay a $2.8 million government fine after the United States Army Corps of Engineers claimed that he had violated the Clean Water Act by plowing a field to plant wheat on his property in Tehama County.[9]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2022

On March 9, 2022, Duarte launched a campaign to represent California’s 13th congressional district after the 2020 United States redistricting cycle created a new district based in the Central Valley. He and state Assemblyman Adam Gray advanced to the general election.[10] He defeated Gray in the 2022 United States House of Representatives elections by 564 votes in an upset. He was declared the winner on December 3, 2022, almost a month after the election.[11]

2024

Duarte ran for reelection against Gray again in 2024.[12] Following weeks of counting, Gray eventually took the lead over Duarte on November 26, 2024, by a margin of 182 votes, with the race being called for Gray on December 4.[13]

Tenure

Duarte was sworn into office on January 3, 2023. He supported Kevin McCarthy for Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.[14]

In October 2023, Duarte said that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy should be reinstated as Speaker due to the unrest in Israel changing the political dynamics and stakes in the U.S. House.[15] After McCarthy’s ouster, Duarte supported Steve Scalise as the nominee.[16] Once Scalise dropped out, Duarte voted for Jim Jordan on the House floor.[17]

Committee assignments

For the 118th Congress:[18]

Political positions

Duarte has said “I don’t care about party politics” and that “I’ll stand against ‘the woke.’ I’ll stand against the ultra-conservatives.”[19]

Building new infrastructure to secure water for the San Joaquin Valley was one of Duarte’s top priorities.[19]

Abortion

In 2023, Duarte was one of two Republicans to vote against the Ronny Jackson amendment to H.R. 2670: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which would prohibit the Secretary of Defense from paying for or reimbursing expenses relating to abortion services.[20][21] In 2024, Duarte said he was a pro-choice Republican. Duarte has voiced opposition to a federal ban on abortion but has stated that abortion “should be left to the states”.[22]

LGBT rights

In 2023, Duarte was the only Republican to vote against the Matt Rosendale amendment to H.R. 2670: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which would prohibit TRICARE from covering and the Department of Defense from furnishing gender affirmation surgeries and gender hormone treatments for transgender individuals.[23][24]

Confederate Naming Commission

Duarte was one of 41 Republicans to vote against the Bob Good amendment to H.R. 2670: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which would defund a congressionally mandated commission tasked with renaming Army bases and military property named in honor of Confederate leaders.[25][26]

Immigration

Duarte has described himself as “immigration fluid”, meaning that he both supports greater border security but also recognizes that agriculture depends on farmworkers who lack legal immigration status. He has said only a bipartisan approach will effectively address immigration issues.[19]

In 2023, Duarte was one of two Republicans who voted against H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. He called the E-Verify program “devastating for farmers.”[27]

Duarte is a sponsor of the Farm Worker Modernization Act which seeks to boost foreign worker availability in the U.S., with benefits to both employers and laborers.[28]

Duarte supports Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).[29]

Israel

Duarte voted to provide Israel with support following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.[30][31]

Electoral history

Electoral history of John Duarte
YearOfficePartyPrimaryGeneralResultSwingRef.
Total%P.Total%P.
2022U.S. HouseRepublican26,16334.25%1st67,06050.21%1stWonGain[32]
Source: Secretary of State of California | Statewide Election Results

Personal life

Duarte lives with his wife, Alexandra, on a pistachio and almond farm outside of Modesto in rural Stanislaus County. They have four children. Duarte is an Episcopalian.[33]

References

  1. ^ “DUARTE, John”. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  2. ^ “Your guide to the California Congressional District 13 race: John Duarte vs. Adam Gray”. Los Angeles Times. October 26, 2022. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  3. ^ Zavala, Ashley (November 15, 2022). “Control of the US House of Representatives could be left up to California”. KCRA. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  4. ^ “Every single vote counts”: U.S. House race maintains razor thin margin between Duarte, Gray in CA-13″. www.cbsnews.com. November 9, 2022. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  5. ^ “GOP’s Duarte takes California Central Valley US House seat”. Associated Press. December 2, 2022. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
  6. ^ “Four Portuguese-Americans from California in Congress”. California Portuguese American Coalition. December 21, 2022. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  7. ^ “Adam Gray vs. John Duarte: Where candidates for California’s 13th Congressional District stand”. Sacramento Bee. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  8. ^ “Rep. John Duarte – R California, 13th, In Office – Biography | LegiStorm”. www.legistorm.com. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  9. ^ “He plowed his field and got hit with a $2.8 million fine”. Sacramento Bee. May 31, 2017. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  10. ^ “California 13th Congressional District Primary Election Results”. The New York Times. June 7, 2022. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
  11. ^ Mizelle, Shawna (December 3, 2022). “Republican John Duarte wins open House seat in California after Democrat concedes | CNN Politics”. CNN. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
  12. ^ Brassil, Gillian. “John Duarte vs. Adam Gray for Congress: Why experts are watching this California election”. Sacramento Bee.
  13. ^ Weber, Lindsay (November 27, 2024). “Gray pulls ahead of Duarte in race for California Congressional District 13”. KCRA. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
  14. ^ Stapley, Garth. “What Stanislaus congressional representatives are saying about House speaker disarray”. The Modesto Bee. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  15. ^ Fortinsky, Sarah (October 9, 2023). “Moderate Republican argues McCarthy should return as Speaker, citing Israel unrest”. The Hill. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  16. ^ Content, Syndicated. “Republican Scalise struggles for votes after winning US House speaker nomination”. WTAQ News Talk | 97.5 FM · 1360 AM | Green Bay, WI. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  17. ^ Perry, Kati; Dormido, Hannah; Zakharenko, Hanna; Blanco, Adrian. “How each House member voted for speaker”. Washington Post. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  18. ^ “John S. Duarte”. Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  19. ^ a b c Morgante, Michelle (September 2, 2023). “Congressman Duarte tells Valley voters he’ll stand against ‘the woke’ and ‘ultra-conservatives’. Fresnoland. Retrieved September 25, 2023. Cite error: The named reference “fresno” was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  20. ^ “H.Amdt. 222 (Jackson) to H.R. 2670: To prohibit the Secretary … — House Vote #300 — Jul 13, 2023”. GovTrack.us. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  21. ^ “Scoop: Abortion threatens House spending fights”. July 20, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  22. ^ Brassil, Gillian (September 18, 2024). “Is Republican congressman in California tossup really ‘pro-choice’? What both candidates say”. The Sacramento Bee. Archived from the original on September 18, 2024. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
  23. ^ “H.Amdt. 223 (Rosendale) to H.R. 2670: To prohibit TRICARE from … — House Vote #301 — Jul 13, 2023”. GovTrack.us. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  24. ^ Shabad, Zoë Richards, Rebecca Kaplan and Rebecca (July 14, 2023). “House passes defense bill after GOP adopts abortion and transgender surgery amendments”. CNBC. Retrieved August 3, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ “H.Amdt. 242 (Good) to H.R. 2670: To prohibit the use … — House Vote #316 — Jul 13, 2023”. GovTrack.us. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  26. ^ O’Brien, Connor (July 14, 2023). “The House just passed a defense bill with controversial abortion, LGBTQ measures. It doesn’t stand a chance in the Senate”. POLITICO. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  27. ^ Halvorson, Sabrina (May 15, 2023). “Duarte Says H.R. 2 E-Verify Program ‘Devastating’ for Farmers”. AgNet West. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  28. ^ “Duarte pushes for Farm Worker Modernization Act”. www.ny1.com. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  29. ^ Kim, Caitlyn (June 15, 2023). “11 years after the creation of DACA, Congress trying again to give ‘Dreamers’ more legal certainty”. Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  30. ^ Demirjian, Karoun (October 25, 2023). “House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  31. ^ Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154; p:225-7000, DC 20515-6601 (October 25, 2023). “Roll Call 528 Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session”. Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved October 30, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  32. ^ Primary election:

    General election:

  33. ^ Jeff Diamant (January 3, 2023). “Faith on the Hill. The religious composition of the 118th Congress” (PDF). PEW Research Center. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California’s 13th congressional district

2023–present
Succeeded by

U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by

United States representatives by seniority
366th
Succeeded by