In 1989, Duarte began his career as a vice president of sales for Duarte Trees & Vines, which was founded by his parents in 1988. In 2007, he became the company's chief executive officer and president.[9]
In October 2023, Duarte said that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy should be reinstated as Speaker due to the unrest in Israel changing the political dynamics and stakes in the U.S. House.[14] After McCarthy's ouster, Duarte supported Steve Scalise as the nominee.[15] Once Scalise dropped out, Duarte voted for Jim Jordan on the House floor.[16]
Duarte has said "I don't care about party politics" and that "I'll stand against 'the woke.' I'll stand against the ultra-conservatives."[18]
Building new infrastructure to secure water for the San Joaquin Valley is one of Duarte's top priorities.[18]
Abortion
In 2023, Duarte was one of two Republicans to vote against the Ronny Jackson amendment to H.R. 2670: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which would prohibit the Secretary of Defense from paying for or reimbursing expenses relating to abortion services.[19][20]
LGBT rights
In 2023, Duarte was the only Republican to vote against the Matt Rosendale amendment to H.R. 2670: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which would prohibit TRICARE from covering and the Department of Defense from furnishing gender affirmation surgeries and gender hormone treatments for transgender individuals.[21][22]
Confederate Naming Commission
Duarte was one of 41 Republicans to vote against the Bob Good amendment to H.R. 2670: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which would defund a congressionally mandated commission tasked with renaming Army bases and military property named in honor of Confederate leaders.[23][24]
Immigration
Duarte has described himself as "immigration fluid", meaning that he both supports greater border security but also recognizes that agriculture depends on farmworkers who lack legal immigration status. He has said only a bipartisan approach will effectively address immigration issues.[18]
In 2023, Duarte was one of two Republicans who voted against H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. He called the E-Verify program "devastating for farmers."[25]
Duarte is a sponsor of the Farm Worker Modernization Act which seeks to boost foreign worker availability in the U.S., with benefits to both employers and laborers.[26]
Duarte lives with his wife, Alexandra, on a pistachio and almond farm outside of Modesto in rural Stanislaus County. They have four children. Duarte is an Episcopalian.[31]