Standing Firm for Republican Principles – Why Cross-Party Endorsements of Democrat Adam Gray Betray Central Valley Voters

The Merced County Republican Assembly (MCRA) is deeply concerned by the growing list of registered Republicans, particularly local elected officials, who have chosen to publicly endorse Democrat Congressman Adam Gray in his re-election bid. In a recent campaign announcement, the Gray team highlighted endorsements from local leaders across the Central Valley, including several who identify as Republicans.

These cross-party endorsements represent a troubling trend. While Democrats rarely, if ever, return the favor by endorsing Republican candidates in competitive races, some Republicans appear quick to cross the aisle. This one-sided behavior weakens our party’s ability to present a clear alternative to voters and dilutes the conservative values that define the Republican platform.

Adam Gray’s Voting Record: Out of Step with Central Valley Priorities

Since taking office, Congressman Adam Gray has compiled a voting record that consistently aligns with the national Democratic leadership on major issues. On key priorities important to the Central Valley, such as securing reliable water supplies for agriculture, reducing government overreach and regulations, lowering the cost of living, and promoting fiscal responsibility, his votes have generally supported the Democratic Party’s agenda rather than delivering the bold conservative reforms needed in our region.

While Rep. Gray occasionally joins bipartisan efforts on local issues, his overall record reflects strong loyalty to Democrat positions that often conflict with the values and economic realities of Merced County and the broader Central Valley. Voters deserve a representative who will fight unequivocally for pro-growth, pro-agriculture, and limited-government solutions, not one who reliably backs the opposing party’s national platform.

The Double Standard on Cross-Party Endorsements

Republicans who endorse Gray and other Democratic candidates are not just making a personal choice, they are undermining the collective efforts of the Republican Party to hold Democrats accountable and advance conservative solutions. Personal relationships or local familiarity should never trump philosophical consistency, especially in a congressional race where the stakes involve billions in federal spending, water policy, and the future of agriculture in the Central Valley.

Democrats, by contrast, maintain strict party discipline. It is exceptionally rare to see elected Democrats endorsing Republican candidates in competitive districts. Their party apparatus rewards loyalty and punishes deviation. Republicans who cross lines to support Gray receive no reciprocal support when roles are reversed. This asymmetry only empowers Democrats while eroding Republican unity.

The MCRA believes elected officials who register and campaign as Republicans have a duty to their voters and the party platform. Crossing party lines to endorse a Democrat in this race sends a damaging signal: that principles are flexible and party labels are meaningless. Our Republican base expects better.

MCRA’s Commitment: Accountability Matters

The MCRA will remember these endorsements. When these officials seek formal Republican endorsements, campaign resources, or support from local clubs and organizations in future cycles, their actions in this race will weigh heavily in our decisions. We urge all registered Republicans and conservative-leaning elected officials to stand with the Republican Party and reject endorsements of Democrat candidates in partisan contests.

The Central Valley faces real challenges securing reliable water, protecting agriculture, combating inflation and government overreach, and promoting economic opportunity. These require principled Republican leadership, not more of the same from a Democrat whose record does not prioritize conservative solutions.

We call on all MCRA members, Republican voters, and concerned Central Valley residents to reaffirm their commitment to our shared values. Support candidates who will fight for Republican priorities without apology.

The Merced County Republican Assembly

The MCRA is a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting conservative values, electing strong Republican candidates, and holding elected officials accountable to the principles of the Republican Party and the voters who elect them.

For more information, contact: mercedcra@gmail.com or visit www.MercedRepublicans.com.

Stay engaged. Stay principled. The future of the Central Valley depends on it.--