Lincoln Challenges Gray in District 13

Kevin Lincoln and Adam Gray will face each other on November 3 for the seat in California's 13th Congressional District. The matchup contrasts a local Republican figure with an incumbent Democrat who holds a narrow legislative advantage. Both candidates agree that affordability is the primary concern for voters, yet they propose distinct policy solutions to address it.

Lincoln, a former Marine and Stockton mayor, enters the race after losing a 2024 bid in the 9th District. He initially planned a rematch against Josh Harder but shifted his focus following the redistricting mandated by Proposition 50. The new boundaries place the race in a heavily agricultural area extending south to Coalinga. State records from 2023 indicated that 42.3% of voters in the area were registered Democrats, while 28.5% were registered Republicans.

Gray, a former state assemblymember, won the seat two years ago by 187 votes out of 210,921 cast. He defeated John Duarte in a closely contested election. His financial position is stronger than his opponent's. Federal Election Commission data from June 30 shows Gray has raised $4.2 million in contributions and loans. Lincoln has secured $2.2 million for his campaign.

The Republican candidate holds the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who declared his "Complete and Total Endorsement" on Truth Social in December. Lincoln described himself as "honored and thankful" for the support. He has since promoted the endorsement on his website and recorded a video for the National Republican Congressional Committee. In that video, Lincoln details his service in the Marine Corps' White House Military Office, where he guarded Marine One from 2001 to 2005. He also mentions his role as executive pastor at LifeSong Ministries until 2020.

Lincoln argues that his platform will "restore the American dream" by lowering the cost of housing, gas, and food. He claims Gray has voted to raise taxes repeatedly. At a September rally, Lincoln stated he intends to cut taxes, create jobs, and expand healthcare access. He characterized his approach as one that knows how to "grind, fight and win a tough election."

Gray, a Merced native, criticizes the administration's deportation policies as "irresponsible, reckless, dangerous." He positions himself as an independent voice rather than a party loyalist. As a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition, he points to his efforts to reverse Medicaid cuts and limit presidential tariff powers. He also introduced a measure to reduce regulations on thermal energy. Lincoln counters this record by noting that Gray increased the state gas tax by more than 113% per gallon during his time in the legislature.