Gray Leads Lincoln by $2 Million in District 13 Fundraising

Kevin Lincoln, a former Stockton mayor and Marine Corps veteran, will face U.S. Rep. Adam Gray on November 3 in California's 13th Congressional District. The race pits two veteran politicians against each other in a district that now includes downtown Stockton. Both candidates agree that affordability is the primary concern for voters, yet they propose different solutions to the problem.

Gray secured the seat two years ago by defeating Republican Rep. John Duarte by a margin of 187 votes out of 210,921 ballots cast. Lincoln, who is well known in Stockton, previously ran in the 9th District in 2024 against Rep. Josh Harder. He switched to District 13 after state boundaries were redrawn under Proposition 50. The new district covers the agricultural heart of the San Joaquin Valley and extends south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area.

According to 2023 state records, 42.3% of registered voters in the district were Democrats, while 28.5% were Republicans. 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 accumulated $2.2 million for his campaign.

President Donald Trump gave Lincoln his "Complete and Total Endorsement" in a post on Truth Social last December. Lincoln described himself as "honored and thankful" at the time. He continues to promote this support on his campaign website. Democrats argue that high gas prices and aggressive immigration enforcement will damage Lincoln's standing, despite the presidential backing.

Lincoln recorded a video for the National Republican Congressional Committee titled "MAGA Majority." In the clip, he discusses his time as mayor and his service protecting the president as a Marine. His LinkedIn profile notes he served in the White House Military Office from 2001 to 2005 and guarded Marine One. He also 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 September rally, he outlined a plan to lower the cost of gas, food, and utilities, create jobs, cut taxes, and expand healthcare access. He told supporters he knows how to fight and win a tough election.

Gray, a native of Merced, has called Trump's deportation policies "irresponsible, reckless, dangerous." He told the Sacramento Bee that voters in the district want an independent voice rather than a strictly Democratic or Republican one. He serves as a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition. Gray cites his work to reverse Medicaid cuts and limit presidential tariff powers. Lincoln counters that Gray increased the state gas tax by over 113% a gallon during his time in the California Legislature.