Note: This analysis uses AI to help identify potential outreach strategies for space science issues. Because it uses AI, it is important to understand the sources and limitations of this analysis.
Space-related committee assignments (if present), and additional sources (if present), are from congress.gov and a direct output of a targeted web search.
Opportunities, challenges, overall summary, and preparation recommendations are products of AI analyses. The biography uses AI to summarize key aspects of the member's Wikipedia page.
All AI-generated claims, assessments, and recommendations should be independently verified.
This is an experimental feature, and intended to provide guidance and inspiration for outreach strategies for your meeting. Feedback is welcome: casey.dreier@planetary.org.
Overall Summary
Representative Gray's lack of direct committee assignments related to space policy and his strong focus on local priorities like agriculture, water, and healthcare suggest a potential challenge for advocating for broad NASA space science. While he has expressed general fiscal scrutiny, his preference appears to be for applied research with tangible local benefits, which could make the case for fundamental or distant space science more difficult, especially given the proposed 47% cut to NASA Science for FY2026.
However, there is a guarded optimism for engagement. His district benefits from NASA Science Mission Directorate grants to the University of California, Merced, particularly in Earth science research related to water supply and climate change, directly aligning with his stated priorities. His public commitment to securing federal funding for UC Merced's expanding research, coupled with his general opposition to "short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible" research cuts, provides an opening to connect NASA science investments to local economic and environmental benefits.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching specific details of the NASA grants to the University of California, Merced, particularly those related to Earth observations, water supply, and invasive aquatic vegetation, to highlight direct local benefits and align with his support for the university's research.
Explore how broader NASA Earth science initiatives, beyond current grants, could provide data or technology relevant to Central Valley agricultural resilience, water management, or climate adaptation, connecting national investment to local needs.
Look into Representative Gray's past statements on the value of scientific research and federal investment, preparing to frame NASA science as a fiscally responsible and forward-thinking investment that yields long-term benefits for the nation and his constituents.
About Adam Gray
Graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a political science degree.
Worked in family's dairy supply and feed store; served as legislative staffer.
Served ten years in the California State Assembly (2012-2022).
Helped secure funding for a new medical school at UC Merced.
Supported Central Valley as a potential site for Tesla's "Giga-Factory."
Opportunities
Local NASA Research Investment: Representative Gray's district benefits from NASA Science Mission Directorate grants to the University of California, Merced, for Earth observations, metazoan evolution, and water supply research, directly aligning with NASA's science activities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for UC Merced Research: Congressman Gray congratulated UC Merced on its R1 research classification and committed to securing federal funding to support its expanding research and instruction. This institution in his district conducts NASA-funded science.
Advocacy for Climate and Water Science: Gray has consistently emphasized the need for California's water system to adapt to climate change, advocating for investments in infrastructure and technology to manage water resources, which aligns with NASA Earth science objectives.
Opposition to Research Funding Cuts: In a June 2025 House Agriculture Committee hearing, Representative Gray questioned proposed cuts to agricultural research, stating that "cutting research is both short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible," indicating a general stance against reductions in scientific investment.
History of Bipartisan Collaboration: Gray has a record of working across party lines, including co-sponsoring bipartisan bills and founding a Problem Solvers Caucus in the state assembly, suggesting potential for bipartisan support on NASA science funding.
Challenges
Lack of Direct Space Committee Assignment: Representative Gray holds no current committee assignments directly related to space or NASA policy, which may limit his direct engagement and influence on these issues.
Competing Local Priorities: Representative Gray's public statements and legislative focus consistently emphasize agriculture, water infrastructure, rural healthcare, and education as top priorities for his district, with no explicit mention of broader space science or exploration.
Preference for Applied Research with Local Impact: While supportive of research at UC Merced, his public comments highlight its relevance to local issues like agricultural technology and medical education, suggesting a potential preference for science with direct, tangible benefits to his constituents over more fundamental or distant space science.
General Fiscal Scrutiny: Representative Gray has expressed concerns about federal spending and opposed budget measures that he deemed detrimental to his constituents' interests, indicating a cautious approach to new or expanded federal expenditures.