Leela Gray
Leela Gray served 27 years in the U.S. Army, including more than 17 on active duty, commanded at the company, battalion and brigade levels, completed three deployments and a peacekeeping mission, led the 86th Training Division, and retired in 2018 as Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Central. She later advised U.S. Army Cyber Command, built a civilian career in technology and strategic communications, and earned a law degree to help veterans obtain health care and benefits. She has lived in the Tampa Bay area since 2003. She won the Aug. 18, 2026 Democratic primary with 65.1% and was added to the DCCC's Red to Blue program.
How they got on the ballot: Won Aug 18, 2026 Democratic primary with 65.1% (32,033 votes) over Brandt Robinson (12,893) and John William Liccione (4,250) (WUSF: https://www.wusf.org/politics-issues/2026-08-18/pinellas-primary-results-2026-leela-gray-wins-democratic-nomination-13th-congressional-district)
Positions on the major issues
Compare with opponents →Each entry describes what the candidate has said or done, and what they say they will do, in neutral terms with sources. The chip shows how that relates to the statement voters rate in the matching tool.
Abortion Strongly agrees· stated position
Gray is endorsed by EMILY's List, which backs Democratic women who support abortion rights, and is listed by WomenCount; the endorsement announcement describes her as supporting reproductive rights. (One aggregator site characterizes her differently; her campaign and endorsers describe her as pro-choice.)
Health care Leans agree· stated position
Criticized H.R. 1 for its impact on Medicaid and SNAP and says she will 'protect health care' and lower costs; she has not endorsed specific expansions such as Medicare for All.
Tariffs & trade Leans disagree· stated position
Gray criticizes Rep. Luna for backing Trump's tariffs, which she says have raised costs for families.
Trump administration Leans disagree· stated position
Gray criticizes the administration's tariffs and the military action in Iran that Luna supported, saying they raised gas prices and costs.
Veterans Strongly agrees· stated position
Says she will 'deliver for veterans'; after retiring she earned a law degree to help veterans access health care and benefits.
No public position found on 12 issues
We searched campaign sites, questionnaires, interviews, votes and official actions and did not find a clear stance on: Taxes & spending, Housing affordability, Immigration, Guns, Social Security & Medicare, Education & school choice, Environment & water, Elections & voting, Crime & policing, Gender identity laws, Energy & utilities, Ukraine. This is reported as unknown rather than guessed from party affiliation; these issues are excluded from this candidate's match score.
Other issues this candidate has raised
- Anti-corruption agenda — Proposes overturning Citizens United, banning corporate PAC donations, banning stock trading by members of Congress, banning prediction markets and suspending congressional pay during shutdowns.
- Cost of living — Says she will fight for families 'crushed by the high cost of insurance, housing, gas and groceries.'
- Iran military action — Criticizes the U.S. military action in Iran that she says Luna backed.
- Cyber and defense modernization — Cites her work advising U.S. Army Cyber Command on cyber policy.Sources: About - Leela Gray
Record: votes, actions and documented facts
- Retired 2018 as Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Central after 27 years of Army service.Sources: About - Leela Gray · Military.com profile
- Raised $561,000 within months of launching; added to the DCCC's Red to Blue program in August 2026.
Endorsements (as reported)
- EMILY's List
- VoteVetsSources: Leela Gray - VoteVets
- New PoliticsSources: Leela Gray - New Politics
- Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.)