Redrawn District 13: Fundraising Gap Defines Lincoln and Gray Race

California voters in the 13th Congressional District will select a new representative on Nov. 3 in a contest defined by redistricting and a substantial fundraising disparity. The race pits Democratic incumbent Adam Gray against Republican Kevin Lincoln, the former mayor of Stockton. Both candidates identify cost of living as the primary concern for constituents, though they propose different solutions to address it.

The district’s boundaries shifted due to Proposition 50, a change that altered Lincoln’s strategic path. He initially planned to challenge Rep. Josh Harder in the 9th District after losing to him in 2024. Instead, he moved to the 13th, which now includes downtown Stockton and stretches south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area. This new map encompasses the agricultural core of the San Joaquin Valley. State records from 2023 indicated the area was 42.3% Democratic and 28.5% Republican before the recent redraw.

Money remains a key differentiator in the campaign. Federal Election Commission data as of June 30 shows Gray has raised $4.2 million in contributions and loans. Lincoln has accumulated $2.2 million, creating a $2 million deficit for the challenger. Gray’s advantage follows a narrow victory two years ago, where he defeated Republican John Duarte by 187 votes out of 210,921 cast. Lincoln relies on a high-profile endorsement from President Donald Trump, who stated on Truth Social in December that Lincoln has his "Complete and Total Endorsement." Lincoln has promoted this support on his campaign website, calling himself "honored and thankful" at the time.

Lincoln, a former Marine and pastor, frames the election as a fight to "restore the American dream." He argues that home ownership must become more affordable and accuses Gray of voting to raise taxes. In a September rally speech, Lincoln pledged to lower costs for gas, food, and utilities while cutting taxes and expanding healthcare access. He also highlighted his military service, noting that he guarded Marine One from 2001 to 2005 according to his LinkedIn profile. Lincoln described his approach as knowing "how to grind, knows how to fight and how to win a tough election."

Gray, a former state assemblymember from Merced, positions himself as an independent voice rather than a partisan standard-bearer. He told the Sacramento Bee that voters want someone who is not strictly Democratic or Republican. As a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition, Gray emphasizes his work on moderate issues, including reversing Medicaid cuts and limiting presidential tariff powers. He has also introduced legislation to reduce regulations on thermal energy. Democrats in the district expect high gas prices and immigration enforcement to pressure Lincoln, despite his presidential backing.

The candidates clash specifically on energy costs. Gray points to rising gasoline and diesel prices following the start of the war with Iran. Lincoln counters by citing Gray’s legislative record, stating that the incumbent "increased the gas tax over 113% a gallon" while serving in the California Legislature. This specific accusation forms a central part of Lincoln’s attack strategy in the final weeks of the campaign.