Lincoln and Gray clash over affordability in tight California district race

California voters will decide the fate of the 13th Congressional District on November 3, pitting Democrat Adam Gray against Republican Kevin Lincoln. Both candidates agree that affordability is the primary concern for constituents. They disagree sharply on the specific policies required to solve the problem.

Lincoln holds a distinct advantage in name recognition within the district. He served as mayor of Stockton for several years. Gray, a former state assemblymember, represents a newer presence in the area. His district now includes downtown Stockton due to recent redistricting efforts.

The current district boundaries were redrawn under Proposition 50. The new map covers the agricultural heart of the San Joaquin Valley. It extends south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area, bypassing Fresno. State records from 2023 indicated a voter registration split of 42.3% for Democrats and 28.5% for Republicans.

Gray won his initial election two years ago by a narrow margin of 187 votes. The total ballot count was 210,921. He defeated incumbent Republican John Duarte. Lincoln previously ran against Josh Harder in the 9th District in 2024. He switched his campaign to the 13th District after the new maps were finalized.

Fundraising data from the Federal Election Commission as of June 30 shows Gray leading the race financially. He reported $4.2 million in contributions and loans. Lincoln reported $2.2 million. Gray's financial lead provides him with a resource advantage in the final stretch of the campaign.

Lincoln benefits from the explicit support of President Donald Trump. The president posted on Truth Social in December that he gives Lincoln his complete and total endorsement. Lincoln described the support as an honor and continues to feature it on his campaign website. Democrats argue that high gas prices and immigration enforcement may weaken the value of that endorsement.

The former Marine and pastor has a specific background he highlights to voters. His LinkedIn profile notes he served in the Marine Corps White House Military Office from 2001 to 2005. He guarded the presidential helicopter Marine One during that period. He also served as executive pastor at LifeSong Ministries in Stockton until 2020.

Lincoln promises to restore the American dream by making home ownership more accessible. He aims to lower costs for gas, food, and utilities. He also pledges to cut taxes and expand healthcare access. He accused Gray of voting to raise taxes repeatedly during his time in the state legislature.

Gray, a native of Merced, positions himself as an independent voice in Congress. He serves as a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate lawmakers. He has criticized Trump's deportation policies as reckless and dangerous. He points to his work reversing Medicaid cuts and limiting tariff authority.

The candidates also spar over energy costs. Gray notes the rise in gasoline and diesel prices since the war with Iran began. Lincoln counters by claiming Gray increased the state gas tax by more than 113 percent per gallon while in the California Legislature. This exchange encapsulates the differing economic philosophies of the two candidates.