Redrawn District 13: Gray and Lincoln Clash Over Costs

Two veteran politicians will face off in California's 13th Congressional District on Nov. 3, presenting voters with conflicting solutions to economic strain. Democratic U.S. Rep. Adam Gray, the incumbent, and Republican Kevin Lincoln, the former mayor of Stockton, both identify affordability as the primary campaign issue. However, their proposed remedies diverge sharply, with Lincoln advocating for tax cuts and Gray emphasizing regulatory reform.

The district was redrawn under Proposition 50, altering the political landscape for the November election. Lincoln, a former Marine, initially planned to challenge Rep. Josh Harder in the 9th District after losing a bid in 2024. He switched his target to the 13th District following the boundary changes. Gray, a former state assemblymember, won the seat two years ago by defeating Republican Rep. John Duarte by 187 votes out of 210,921 ballots cast.

The newly configured district covers the agricultural heart of the San Joaquin Valley and extends south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area. It now includes downtown Stockton, a region where Lincoln has long been a prominent figure. Gray, a Merced native, may be less familiar to these residents despite his current representation. State records from 2023 indicated that 42.3% of registered voters in the area were Democrats and 28.5% were Republicans prior to the redistricting.

Financial disparities define the race, with Gray holding a substantial fundraising lead. Federal Election Commission figures from June 30 show Gray has accumulated $4.2 million in contributions and loans. Lincoln has raised $2.2 million for his campaign. Lincoln benefits from the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who declared his "Complete and Total Endorsement" on Truth Social in December. Lincoln described the support as making him "honored and thankful" and continues to display the endorsement on his campaign website.

Lincoln has positioned himself as a fighter, recording a video for the National Republican Congressional Committee that references his service in the Marine Corps' White House Military Office. He stated that he guarded the presidential helicopter Marine One from 2001 to 2005. He also served as executive pastor at Stockton's LifeSong Ministries through 2020. Lincoln argues that his goal is to "restore the American dream" by making home ownership more accessible and lowering the cost of gas, food, and utilities.

Gray counters Lincoln's tax-cut platform by accusing the former mayor of voting to raise taxes repeatedly. At a September rally, Lincoln said he "knows how to grind, knows how to fight and how to win a tough election." Gray, who serves as a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition, has described Trump's deportation policies as "irresponsible, reckless, dangerous." He told the Sacramento Bee that voters seek an "independent voice, not a Democratic voice, not a Republican voice."

The candidates also debate energy and economic policy. Gray stated he introduced a measure to reduce regulations around thermal energy and tried to limit presidential tariff authority without congressional approval. He noted that he worked to reverse Medicaid cuts during his legislative tenure. Lincoln challenges Gray's record by asserting that the representative "increased the gas tax over 113% a gallon" while serving in the California Legislature.

The election will determine the control of a district that spans major agricultural zones and urban centers. Both candidates have spent months campaigning on economic stability, with Lincoln emphasizing job creation and healthcare access. Gray has focused on his legislative record and moderate stance. The outcome will reflect the preferences of voters in a district that has seen significant demographic and geographic shifts due to recent redistricting efforts.