Gray and Lincoln Face Off in District 13 Special Election

California voters in the 13th Congressional District will select a new representative on Nov. 3. The race pits incumbent Democrat Adam Gray against Republican Kevin Lincoln, the former mayor of Stockton. Both candidates identify affordability as the primary issue in the district, though they propose different solutions to address rising costs.

Gray holds a distinct financial advantage in the contest. Federal Election Commission data from June 30 indicates that Gray has raised $4.2 million in contributions and loans. Lincoln has raised $2.2 million during the same period. Gray secured the seat two years ago after defeating Republican John Duarte by a margin of 187 votes out of 210,921 ballots cast.

Lincoln is a familiar figure to local residents due to his tenure as Stockton mayor. He first sought Congress in 2024, running against Representative Josh Harder in the 9th District. He switched to the 13th District after Proposition 50 redrew the state boundaries. The new district encompasses the agricultural core of the San Joaquin Valley and extends south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area.

State records from 2023 show that 42.3% of voters in the redrawn district were registered Democrats and 28.5% were registered Republicans. 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.

Lincoln’s background includes service as a Marine and work as a pastor. His LinkedIn profile states that he served in the Marine Corps' White House Military Office from 2001 to 2005, where he guarded Marine One. He also served as executive pastor at LifeSong Ministries in Stockton through 2020. He recently recorded a video for the National Republican Congressional Committee that emphasizes his time as mayor and his military service.

Lincoln states his top priority is to make home ownership more affordable to restore the American dream. He accuses Gray of voting to raise taxes repeatedly. At a rally in September, Lincoln said he aims to lower the cost of gas, food, and utilities while creating jobs and cutting taxes. He also said he knows how to fight and win a tough election.

Gray, a native of Merced, has criticized Trump's deportation policies as irresponsible and dangerous. He describes himself as an independent voice rather than a standard Democrat 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 without congressional approval.

The candidates trade blows over energy policy and tax history. Gray notes that gasoline and diesel prices have risen sharply since the start of the war with Iran. Lincoln counters that Gray increased the gas tax by 113% per gallon while serving in the California Legislature. Democrats argue that high gas prices and immigration raids will hurt Lincoln, given his close tie to the president's approval.