John Duarte

John Duarte
Birthplace	Modesto, California, United States
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician, farmer, nurseryman
Known for	Serving as U.S. Representative for California's 13th congressional district (2023–2025); California agriculture advocacy

John Duarte is an American politician, farmer, and agricultural businessman from Modesto, California, who served as the U.S. Representative for California's 13th congressional district from January 2023 to January 2025. A member of the Republican Party, Duarte came to Congress from a background in commercial agriculture, having operated a family nursery business and almond farming operations in California's Central Valley. His single term in Congress was marked by attention to agricultural policy, water infrastructure, and the concerns of rural communities in one of the nation's most productive farming regions. Since leaving Congress, Duarte has remained a prominent voice in California agricultural circles, speaking on topics ranging from water policy and almond innovation to immigration reform and rural media. He has been described in agricultural media as a figure who continues to advocate for policy solutions centered on resource abundance and infrastructure development for the state's farming sector.

Career

Agricultural Business

Before entering politics, John Duarte built a career in California's agricultural sector. He was involved in the operation of a nursery business and almond farming in the Central Valley, one of the most agriculturally productive regions in the United States. His experience in agriculture shaped his political priorities and public advocacy, particularly around water policy, crop innovation, and the regulatory environment affecting California farmers.

Following his departure from Congress, Duarte has continued to engage in agricultural business and public commentary on farming issues. In appearances on agricultural media, he has discussed topics including almond variety breakthroughs, the future of avocado cultivation in the Central Valley, and strategies for water abundance in California.

Congressional Service (2023–2025)

John Duarte served one term as the U.S. Representative for California's 13th congressional district, taking office in January 2023. The district encompasses portions of the Central Valley, an area whose economy is heavily dependent on agriculture. During his time in Congress, Duarte focused on issues of particular relevance to his constituents, including water infrastructure, agricultural regulation, and immigration policy as it relates to the farm labor force.

Duarte's tenure in Congress reflected the priorities of a representative from a major farming district. He engaged in legislative efforts around water allocation and infrastructure development, subjects of perennial importance in California where competition for water resources among agricultural, urban, and environmental interests remains a central policy challenge.

After serving a single term, Duarte left Congress in January 2025. He has been referred to as "former U.S. Rep. John Duarte" in subsequent media coverage. In November 2025, the Modesto Bee reported that Duarte commented on an investigation involving a Modesto official accused of alleged water theft, in which Duarte denounced the investigation while also acknowledging uncertainty about the subject's innocence.

Post-Congressional Advocacy

Since leaving office, Duarte has maintained a public presence in discussions about California agricultural policy. He has made multiple appearances on AgNet West, a media outlet focused on Western agricultural issues, where he has discussed a range of topics pertinent to the farming community.

Water Policy

Water policy has been a central theme of Duarte's post-congressional advocacy. In multiple media appearances, he has articulated a vision for California water management centered on the concept of "water abundance," arguing that infrastructure investment and policy reform can increase available water supplies rather than simply managing scarcity. During the 2025 World Ag Expo, Duarte discussed water abundance solutions, infrastructure needs, and the relationship between water policy and immigration reform in the context of California agriculture.

In September 2025, Duarte spoke about Proposition 50 and its implications for California water policy, as well as the broader future of agriculture in the Central Valley. His commentary addressed how state-level ballot measures and legislative initiatives affect water availability for farming operations.

Agricultural Innovation

Duarte has also spoken publicly about innovation in California agriculture. In early 2026, at the World Ag Expo, he discussed breakthroughs in almond varieties, which are of significant economic importance to the Central Valley where almonds represent one of the state's most valuable crops. His commentary addressed how new cultivars and farming practices could improve yields and sustainability in the almond sector.

Additionally, Duarte has discussed the potential for expanding avocado production in the Central Valley, reflecting broader trends in California agriculture toward crop diversification in response to changing market demands and climatic conditions.

State Senate Advocacy and Leadership

In a 2025 interview with AgNet West described under the headline "California Agriculture's Champions," Duarte discussed his views on agricultural leadership in California, state Senate advocacy efforts, and the role of rural media in amplifying the concerns of farming communities. The interview positioned Duarte as an ongoing participant in policy discussions affecting the state's agricultural sector, even after his departure from federal office.

His commentary on state Senate advocacy suggests continued engagement with California state politics, particularly as they relate to agricultural interests. Duarte has emphasized the importance of rural representation in policy-making and has advocated for media coverage that reflects the economic and social significance of agriculture to the state.

Immigration Reform

As a former congressman from a major agricultural district, Duarte has spoken about immigration reform in the context of the farm labor workforce. During his World Ag Expo appearances, he discussed the intersection of immigration policy and water infrastructure, framing both as essential elements of a functional agricultural economy in California. The Central Valley's farming operations depend heavily on immigrant labor, making immigration policy a topic of direct economic relevance to the communities Duarte represented in Congress and continues to speak on behalf of in his post-congressional activities.