Two Central Valley Democrats sided with Republicans to condemn the recent riots in Los Angeles.
Rep. Jim Costa (D–Fresno) and Rep. Adam Gray (D–Merced) were among seven Democrats to condemn the riots in Congress on Friday.
The big picture: The House of Representatives voted 215-195 to officially condemn the riots that broke out as part of protests to immigration raids in the region earlier in June.
- Rep. Young Kim (R–Anaheim Hills) led the California Republican delegation in introducing the resolution, which recognizes the right to assemble and protest peacefully and condemns the violence perpetrated against federal, state and local law enforcement.
- The resolution calls on local and state elected officials to work with the federal government to end the violence and restore peace.
- It also expresses gratitude to law enforcement officers for keeping communities safe.
Zoom in: Gray’s vote could earn him some credit from Republican voters when he runs for reelection next year – something much needed given the competitive nature of the 13th Congressional District.
- Gray ousted former Rep. John Duarte (R–Modesto) from Congress last year by just 187 votes. He lost to Duarte in 2022 by 564 votes.
- On the other hand, Costa won reelection last year by 5.2 points, although that was down from 8.4 points in 2022.
