MODESTO, Calif. — With just days remaining until the pivotal 2024 election, candidates in California’s closely contested 13th Congressional District are intensifying their efforts to sway voters.
During a debate last Friday at the Modesto State Theatre, Republican Representative John Duarte revealed that he had introduced a new proposal for comprehensive immigration reform earlier that day. This announcement was a central topic in the engaging 90-minute debate against Democrat Adam Gray. As the audience settled in, many held popcorn, reflecting the lively atmosphere in the nearly full theatre.
Although debate organizers requested minimal noise from the crowd, audience reactions included applause, cheers, and occasional groans in response to the candidates’ exchanges. The debate was co-sponsored by the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative, Capital Public Radio, KVPR, The Maddy Institute, and the UC Merced Center for Analytical and Political Engagement. This was the only debate for both candidates this election cycle, though they are set to meet again on October 31 at KXTL Fox 40 in Sacramento.
Duarte’s Immigration Proposal
The debate maintained a respectful tone, with both candidates shaking hands at the start and end. However, tensions surfaced when Duarte discussed his new legislation. The Border Security and Immigration Reform Act aims to provide a pathway to legal status for certain undocumented immigrants while also calling for enhanced security along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Duarte acknowledged that his bill contains elements that may not please either party, but he insists that a resolution is necessary. “I’m urging presidential candidates and my colleagues in Congress to compromise and pass an immigration bill,” he stated. “If this bill had been enacted five, ten, or fifteen years ago, America would be safer and stronger today.”
Duarte’s legislation would extend temporary protected status to immigrants under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. It also includes provisions for undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for five years without committing a crime, as well as those married to U.S. citizens or with citizen children.
The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to confirm within five years that the border is secure, with a 90% detection and apprehension rate for those crossing it. If these conditions are met, Duarte proposes that provisional visas could be converted to green cards, building on the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which granted green cards to about 2.7 million immigrants.
Gray challenged the timing of Duarte’s proposal, noting that Senate Republicans recently blocked bipartisan efforts to pass a border security bill. “This shows a lack of seriousness. We don’t need immigration reform bills during election season; we need people to work together,” Gray said.
Duarte’s immigration reform plan emerges amid rising Republican rhetoric influenced by former President Donald Trump’s calls for mass deportations if he is reelected.
Debate on Abortion Rights
Abortion rights were another significant topic during the debate. This issue has gained national attention following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Both candidates aimed to present themselves as advocates for women’s needs.
Duarte emphasized his support for legislation that aids pregnant military women in accessing abortion services in states where it is restricted. He also defended his backing of the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act,” which mandates that healthcare providers care for infants born alive during abortion attempts. “Being born alive doesn’t equate to abortion for me,” he asserted. “I am pro-choice and will remain pro-choice.”
Gray expressed his commitment to codifying Roe v. Wade into law and highlighted Duarte’s endorsement by “Californians for Life,” a group advocating anti-abortion policies. “Duarte is willing to say anything to get elected in a district where most constituents want their freedoms protected,” Gray stated.
Voter Perspectives
The debate drew a diverse crowd of supporters for both candidates, including some local officials. Priya Lakireddy, a Merced area school board member who supports Gray, emphasized the importance of reproductive rights for women. “As a mother of two daughters, I believe in a woman’s right to choose,” she said.
In the 2022 midterm elections, Gray lost to Duarte by a narrow margin of 564 votes. During the debate, Gray criticized Duarte for not fulfilling his promises while in office. Young voters, often seen as a crucial demographic, may be swayed by the excitement surrounding the presidential election.
Madera City Councilmember Cecilia Gallegos expressed her support for Duarte, stating, “He has done an excellent job in his first two years. If we give him two more, we will see wonderful progress.”
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