California District 13 Race: Gray Faces Lincoln

Voters in California's 13th Congressional District will select between two experienced politicians on November 3. The contest pits Democratic Rep. Adam Gray against Republican Kevin Lincoln, the former mayor of Stockton. Both candidates identify affordability as the primary concern but propose distinct solutions to the economic challenges facing the region.

Gray secured the seat two years ago by a margin of 187 votes out of 210,921 cast, defeating Republican John Duarte. Lincoln, a former Marine, previously ran in the 9th District in 2024 but switched his bid after Proposition 50 redrew district boundaries. The new District 13 spans the agricultural heart of the San Joaquin Valley and extends south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area. State records from 2023 indicate that 42.3% of voters in the area are registered Democrats while 28.5% are registered Republicans.

Financial data from the Federal Election Commission as of June 30 shows Gray holding a fundraising advantage. He reported $4.2 million in contributions and loans, whereas Lincoln reported $2.2 million. Lincoln enjoys the explicit support of President Donald Trump, who granted him his "Complete and Total Endorsement" on Truth Social in December. Lincoln stated he was "honored and thankful" for the support, a message he continues to feature on his campaign website.

Lincoln has recorded a video for the National Republican Congressional Committee that details his time as a Marine who guarded the presidential helicopter Marine One from 2001 to 2005. His LinkedIn profile also lists his role as executive pastor at Stockton's LifeSong Ministries through 2020. He argues that his priority is to "restore the American dream" by making home ownership more affordable. At a September rally, Lincoln said he aims to lower the cost of gas, food, and utilities while creating jobs and cutting taxes.

Gray, a native of Merced, has described Trump's deportation policies as "irresponsible, reckless, dangerous." He told the Sacramento Bee that voters desire an independent voice rather than one defined by party labels. Gray serves as a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate lawmakers. He points to his efforts to reverse Republican Medicaid cuts and limit presidential tariff powers without congressional approval. He also introduced a measure to reduce regulations surrounding thermal energy.

The candidates trade specific accusations regarding fiscal policy. Gray cites soaring gasoline and diesel prices since the start of the war with Iran as a reason for his legislative approach. Lincoln counters that Gray "increased the gas tax over 113% a gallon" during his tenure in the California Legislature. Lincoln claims he knows how to "grind, knows how to fight and how to win a tough election." The race remains closely watched given the narrow margin of the previous cycle.