Gray and Lincoln Clash Over Affordability in Redrawn California District 13

Voters in California's 13th Congressional District will cast ballots on November 3 to decide between two experienced politicians who agree that affordability is the central issue but propose different solutions. Democratic incumbent Adam Gray faces Republican Kevin Lincoln, the former mayor of Stockton, in a race that pits a moderate legislator against a figure backed by the White House.

The political landscape of this district shifted significantly two years ago. Gray secured the seat in a tight contest, defeating Republican John Duarte by a margin of 187 votes out of 210,921 total ballots. Lincoln, a former Marine, previously ran in the 9th District in 2024 but lost to Josh Harder. He entered this race after Proposition 50 redrew district boundaries, moving him from a district covering most of Stockton to one that includes the city's downtown and stretches south along Interstate 5 toward Coalinga.

Registration numbers in the newly drawn district present a challenge for the Republican candidate. State records from 2023 indicate that 42.3% of voters are registered as Democrats while 28.5% are registered as Republicans. Financially, Gray holds a substantial advantage. Federal Election Commission data from June 30 shows Gray with $4.2 million in contributions and loans, whereas Lincoln has raised $2.2 million.

Lincoln has cultivated a strong national profile, aided by a December post on Truth Social from President Donald Trump. The president granted Lincoln his "Complete and Total Endorsement," a badge of honor Lincoln has displayed on his campaign site. Lincoln also recorded a promotional video for the National Republican Congressional Committee, detailing his time as a Marine guarding Marine One from 2001 to 2005 and his service as an executive pastor at LifeSong Ministries until 2020. He campaigns on a platform to restore the American dream by lowering the cost of gas, food, and utilities while cutting taxes.

Gray, a native of Merced and a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition, positions himself as an independent voice rather than a standard Democrat. He has described Trump's deportation policies as irresponsible and reckless. His legislative record includes efforts to reverse Medicaid cuts and limit presidential tariff powers without congressional consent. Gray also introduced a measure to reduce regulations on thermal energy, a point he uses to contrast his approach with Lincoln's calls for tax reductions.

The two candidates offer conflicting accounts of their impact on consumer costs. Lincoln argues that Gray increased the gas tax by more than 113% per gallon during his time in the California Legislature. Gray points to the surge in gasoline and diesel prices following the start of the war with Iran, framing his work on energy regulations as a response to these rising costs. Both men are now focused on convincing the district's working families that their specific remedies will deliver the most relief.