Lincoln and Gray Clash Over Valley Costs

Kevin Lincoln stands in the center of a shifting political map in California's 13th Congressional District. The former mayor of Stockton launched his challenge to incumbent Democratic Representative Adam Gray after district boundaries were redrawn under Proposition 50. This move placed downtown Stockton, a city Lincoln has led, into Gray's new territory. The two candidates will meet voters at the polls on Nov. 3.

The race centers on the cost of living in the San Joaquin Valley. Both men identify affordability as the primary concern for their constituents, yet they propose opposite solutions. Lincoln argues that high taxes and regulatory burdens stifle economic growth. Gray contends that federal policy and state-level decisions have driven up prices for basic necessities.

Lincoln enters the election as a known figure in local Stockton politics. His background includes service as a Marine and time as a pastor. According to his professional profile, he served in the Marine Corps' White House Military Office from 2001 to 2005. During that period, he guarded the presidential helicopter Marine One. He later served as executive pastor at LifeSong Ministries until 2020. Lincoln ran against Representative Josh Harder in the 9th District in 2024 but did not win that race.

Gray, a former state assemblymember, won his current seat two years ago with a narrow margin. He defeated Republican John Duarte by 187 votes out of 210,921 ballots cast. While Lincoln is a household name in Stockton, many residents in the newly expanded district may not recognize Gray. The district now stretches south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area, covering a large portion of the state's agricultural heartland.

Financial resources give Gray a distinct advantage in the campaign. Federal Election Commission data from June 30 shows Gray has raised $4.2 million in contributions and loans. Lincoln has secured $2.2 million for his campaign. In the 2023 state records, the district registered 42.3% of voters as Democrats and 28.5% as Republicans. These figures suggest a competitive but slightly Democratic-leaning environment before the redistricting changes.

Lincoln carries the endorsement of President Donald Trump. The president posted on Truth Social in December that Lincoln has his complete and total endorsement. Lincoln called the support honored and thankful at the time. He continues to feature this backing on his campaign website. Democrats in the district believe high gas prices and aggressive immigration raids may weaken the appeal of a Trump-backed candidate.

The Republican candidate recorded a video for the National Republican Congressional Committee titled MAGA Majority. In the clip, Lincoln highlights his tenure as mayor and his military service. He describes his goal as restoring the American dream by making home ownership more affordable. At a rally in September, he pledged to lower the cost of gas, food, and utilities. He also promised to create jobs, cut taxes, and expand healthcare access.

Gray, a native of Merced, positions himself as an independent voice rather than a strict party member. He told the Sacramento Bee that voters want an independent voice, not a Democratic or Republican one. He serves as a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate lawmakers. Gray criticized Trump's deportation policies as irresponsible, reckless, and dangerous. He cited his work to reverse Republican Medicaid cuts and limit presidential tariff authority as key legislative achievements.

The candidates disagree on the specific causes of rising costs. Gray points to soaring gasoline and diesel prices since the start of the war with Iran. Lincoln counters that Gray increased the gas tax by over 113% per gallon while serving in the California Legislature. These competing narratives define the final weeks of the campaign in the valley.