Lincoln Faces Gray in Redrawn District 13

Kevin Lincoln, the former mayor of Stockton, will face Adam Gray, the current Democratic representative, on November 3. The matchup pits two long-time public servants against each other in California’s 13th Congressional District. Both candidates claim affordability is the top concern for residents, but they disagree on how to fix it.

Gray took the seat two years ago after defeating John Duarte by 187 votes out of 210,921 cast. Lincoln, a Marine veteran, lost a primary in the neighboring 9th District in 2024. He switched his focus to District 13 after Proposition 50 redrew the map. The new district includes the agricultural heart of the San Joaquin Valley and stretches south along Interstate 5 to Coalinga.

Records from 2023 show 42.3% of voters in the area are registered Democrats and 28.5% are Republicans. Federal Election Commission data from June 30 indicates Gray holds a financial edge. He has raised $4.2 million in contributions and loans, while Lincoln has collected $2.2 million.

President Donald Trump gave Lincoln his "Complete and Total Endorsement" in December. Lincoln called the support "honored and thankful" and features it on his campaign site. Democrats believe high gas prices and immigration raids may hurt candidates with the president’s blessing. Lincoln has also recorded a video for the National Republican Congressional Committee. The clip highlights his Marine service, where he guarded Marine One from 2001 to 2005, and his time as executive pastor at LifeSong Ministries until 2020.

Lincoln argues he will "restore the American dream" by lowering the cost of gas, food, and utilities. He accuses Gray of raising taxes during his time in the state legislature. At a September rally, Lincoln said he knows how to fight and win. Gray, a native of Merced, calls himself an independent voice rather than a partisan one. He serves as a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition and says he has worked to limit presidential tariff power.

The candidates trade specific claims about energy costs. Lincoln says Gray increased the gas tax by 113% per gallon while serving in the California Legislature. Gray points to rising fuel prices since the war with Iran began. He notes his efforts to reverse Medicaid cuts and reduce regulations on thermal energy.

Voters will cast ballots on November 3. The race centers on who best represents the working families in the San Joaquin Valley.