Lincoln and Gray Clash Over Cost of Living in Redrawn California District

Kevin Lincoln and Adam Gray offer opposing solutions to the same economic problem as they campaign for California's 13th Congressional District. Both candidates agree that affordability is the primary concern for voters in the San Joaquin Valley, yet they point to different causes and cures for high costs.

The race features two experienced politicians competing in a newly drawn district. Lincoln, a former mayor of Stockton, seeks to unseat Gray, a Democrat who has held the seat for two years. The district boundaries changed after voters approved Proposition 50, shifting the political geography of the region.

Lincoln originally planned to challenge Josh Harder in the 9th District, where he lost in 2024. When redistricting moved parts of Stockton into the 13th, Lincoln shifted his focus. Gray, a former state assemblymember, won the district in 2024 by a margin of 187 votes out of 210,921 cast, defeating John Duarte.

The new district extends from the agricultural heart of the valley south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area. State records from 2023 indicate the district contained 42.3% registered Democrats and 28.5% registered Republicans before the recent boundary adjustments. This composition suggests a competitive environment for both parties.

Gray holds a financial advantage in the campaign. Federal Election Commission data as of June 30 shows he has raised $4.2 million in contributions and loans. Lincoln has secured $2.2 million for his effort. The gap in resources may influence the pace of advertising and ground operations in the weeks before the election.

Lincoln holds the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who posted on Truth Social in December that Lincoln has his "Complete and Total Endorsement." Lincoln described himself as "honored and thankful" at the time. Democrats argue that national issues like gas prices and immigration enforcement may dampen the value of that endorsement in a local district.

The Republican candidate emphasizes his background in service and local government. He recorded a video for the National Republican Congressional Committee detailing his time as a Marine who guarded Marine One from 2001 to 2005. He also notes his role as executive pastor at LifeSong Ministries through 2020. His platform focuses on lowering the cost of essentials and expanding healthcare access.

Gray, a Merced native, positions himself as a moderate independent voice. He serves as a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition and has criticized Trump's deportation policies as "irresponsible, reckless, dangerous." He points to his legislative record, including efforts to limit tariffs and reverse Medicaid cuts. Lincoln counters by citing a 113% increase in the gas tax during Gray's time in the state legislature.