Kevin Lincoln and Adam Gray Compete in Redrawn California District 13

Kevin Lincoln and Adam Gray will contest California's 13th Congressional District in the Nov. 3 election. Lincoln, a former Stockton mayor, challenges Gray, the incumbent Democratic representative. Both candidates identify affordability as the primary campaign issue, yet they propose different solutions to rising costs.

Lincoln is well known in Stockton from his previous local leadership roles. Gray, a former state assemblymember, represents a district that now includes downtown Stockton following redistricting. Gray secured his seat two years ago after defeating John Duarte by a margin of 187 votes out of 210,921 cast.

The district boundaries shifted under Proposition 50. The new map covers the central San Joaquin Valley agricultural region and extends south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area. State records from 2023 indicate that 42.3% of registered voters in the previous configuration were Democrats, while 28.5% were Republicans. Lincoln initially planned to run against Josh Harder in the 9th District but switched to the 13th after the map changes.

Fundraising disparities favor the incumbent. Federal Election Commission data from June 30 shows Gray has raised $4.2 million in contributions and loans. Lincoln has raised $2.2 million. Lincoln holds the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who posted the support on Truth Social in December. Lincoln describes the endorsement as a source of honor and continues to feature it on his campaign website.

Lincoln frames his campaign around restoring home ownership accessibility. He argues that Gray voted to increase taxes during his time in the state legislature. At a September rally, Lincoln stated his goals include lowering costs for gas, food, and utilities, creating jobs, and cutting taxes. He also highlighted his background as a Marine who served in the White House Military Office and guarded Marine One from 2001 to 2005.

Gray, a native of Merced, positions himself as an independent voice rather than a party loyalist. He serves as a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate lawmakers. Gray has criticized Trump's deportation policies as reckless and dangerous. He points to his efforts to reverse Medicaid cuts and limit executive tariff powers without congressional approval. Lincoln counters by claiming Gray increased the gas tax by 113% per gallon during his legislative tenure.

The race pits a local favorite with national backing against a moderate incumbent with a larger financial war chest. Democrats anticipate that high gas prices and immigration enforcement efforts may benefit Gray, while Republicans rely on Lincoln's military and pastoral background to connect with voters in the agricultural region.