Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln Challenges Incumbent Adam Gray in District 13

California voters in the 13th Congressional District will decide between two experienced politicians on Nov. 3. Democratic Representative Adam Gray faces Republican Kevin Lincoln, the former mayor of Stockton. Both candidates identify affordability as the primary issue but propose different solutions.

Lincoln is a well-known figure in local Stockton politics. Gray, a former state assemblymember, is less familiar to many residents despite representing a district that now includes downtown Stockton. Gray secured his current seat two years ago with a margin of 187 votes. He defeated Republican Representative John Duarte in a contest where 210,921 ballots were cast.

Lincoln previously ran in the 9th District in 2024 against Representative Josh Harder. He lost that race but changed his focus after new boundaries were drawn under Proposition 50. The redrawn 13th District covers the agricultural heart of the San Joaquin Valley. It extends south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area and bypasses Fresno.

State records from 2023 indicate the district’s political registration before redistricting. Democrats held 42.3% of registered voters while Republicans held 28.5%. Gray currently holds a financial advantage. Federal Election Commission data from June 30 shows Gray has raised $4.2 million in contributions and loans. Lincoln has raised $2.2 million.

Lincoln has the explicit support of President Donald Trump. In December, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he gives Lincoln his "Complete and Total Endorsement." Lincoln described himself as "honored and thankful" at the time. He continues to feature this endorsement on his campaign website. Democrats argue that high gas prices and aggressive immigration enforcement will hurt Trump-backed candidates.

Lincoln has also produced a video for the National Republican Congressional Committee titled "MAGA Majority." The video details his time as mayor, his Marine Corps service, and his work as a pastor. His LinkedIn profile states he served in the White House Military Office from 2001 to 2005. He protected the presidential helicopter, Marine One, during that period. He served as executive pastor at LifeSong Ministries in Stockton until 2020.

Lincoln states his goal is to "restore the American dream" by making home ownership more affordable. He accuses Gray of voting to raise taxes. At a rally in September, Lincoln said he aims to lower the cost of gas, food, and utilities. He also wants to create jobs, cut taxes, and expand healthcare access. He described himself as someone who "knows how to grind, knows how to fight and how to win a tough election."

Gray, who is from Merced, has criticized Trump’s deportation policies as "irresponsible, reckless, dangerous." He prefers to be seen as an independent voice rather than strictly Democratic or Republican. He serves as a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate lawmakers. Gray points to his efforts to reverse Medicaid cuts and limit presidential tariff powers. He introduced a measure to reduce regulations on thermal energy.

The candidates also debate the cost of living. Gray cites soaring gasoline and diesel prices since the war with Iran began. Lincoln counters that Gray increased the gas tax by more than 113 cents per gallon while serving in the California Legislature.