A new poll found that small business owner David Giglio would give Republicans their best chance to take back the 13th Congressional District.
Giglio, who has not formally launched a campaign for Congress, is in the early stages of the process and has opened an exploratory committee.
State of the race: Rep. Adam Gray (D–Merced) is currently serving his first term in office after ousting former Rep. John Duarte (R–Modesto) last year.
- Ceres Mayor Javier Lopez announced his candidacy for the district last month and has the support of Duarte. Bay Area businessman Vin Kruttiventi, another Republican, has also been rumored to run.
- The 13th district includes parts of Fresno, Madera, San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties, as well as all of Merced County.
The big picture: Rasmussen Reports conducted a poll from the end of April to May 14, surveying 567 voters with a 95% confidence level.
- The poll found that Giglio would place second behind Gray in a four-way primary. Gray leads at 40% with Giglio behind at 21%, followed by Lopez at 13% and Kruttiventi at 5%.
- Looking at a potential three-way primary without Kruttiventi, Gray remains at 40%, while Giglio is at 25% and Lopez at 17%.
- If Giglio received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, his support would increase to 33% while Lopez would fall to 13%.
- When polled against just Gray in a potential general election matchup, Gray leads with 44% while Giglio is just behind at 42%.
