Democrat Adam Gray defeats Republican Rep. John Duarte in California

Democrat Adam Gray narrowly defeated Republican Rep. John Duarte in a tight congressional race in California, further narrowing the Republicans’ majority when they start the new session Jan. 3. Results from the California secretary of state showed Gray ahead of Duarte by 187 votes.

Republicans won 220 seats in the 119th Congress to Democrats' 215. One of them, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, said he won't take the oath of office. Reps. Elise Stefanik and Mike Waltz are expected to step down to take posts in the Trump administration. That could put the balance of power temporarily at 217 to 215 next year.

Gray, a former member of the California State Assembly, declared his come-from-behind victory in the tight race with a statement on X Tuesday night.

“This district is ready for independent and accountable leadership that always puts the (Central) Valley’s people ahead of partisan politics," Gray wrote.

The Associated Press called the race early Wednesday. Duarte conceded, his campaign spokesman told The New York Times and CNN.

Duarte is a freshman congressman who was elected in 2022 with a narrow victory over Gray. California law requires counties to certify election results by Dec. 5.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Adam Gray wins California congressional seat from John Duarte