Gray Leads Lincoln by $2 Million in Redrawn District 13 Fundraising

California voters in the 13th Congressional District face a choice between two experienced politicians on Nov. 3. The race pits Democratic incumbent Adam Gray against Republican Kevin Lincoln, the former mayor of Stockton. Both candidates identify affordability as the primary concern for residents, though they propose different solutions to the problem.

The district was redrawn under Proposition 50, altering the political map of the San Joaquin Valley. Lincoln previously represented the 9th District, which covered most of Stockton. He challenged Representative Josh Harder in 2024 but lost. After the boundaries changed, Lincoln shifted his focus to the newly configured 13th District. Gray, a former state assemblymember, won the seat two years ago in a narrow contest against Republican John Duarte. Gray defeated Duarte by 187 votes out of 210,921 ballots cast.

The new district covers the agricultural heart of the San Joaquin Valley. It extends south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area and skirts Fresno. State records from 2023 indicate that 42.3% of registered voters in the area are Democrats, while 28.5% are Republicans. This partisan balance suggests a closely contested environment for the November election.

Fundraising figures indicate a financial advantage for the incumbent. Federal Election Commission data from June 30 shows Gray has raised $4.2 million in contributions and loans. Lincoln has raised $2.2 million during the same period. The $2 million gap reflects the fundraising disparity between the two campaigns as the election approaches.

Lincoln holds the explicit endorsement of President Donald Trump. The president wrote on Truth Social in December that Lincoln has his "Complete and Total Endorsement." Lincoln stated he was "honored and thankful" for the support and continues to feature the endorsement on his campaign website. The backing helped Lincoln in the primary, though Democratic strategists believe high gas prices and immigration enforcement may offset that advantage.

Lincoln positions himself as a candidate who can manage difficult economic realities. He stated he wants to lower the cost of gas, food, and utilities while creating jobs and cutting taxes. At a September rally, he said he "knows how to grind, knows how to fight and how to win a tough election." He accused Gray of voting to raise taxes repeatedly and claimed Gray increased the state gas tax by 113% per gallon during his time in the legislature.

Gray, a Merced native, describes his approach as independent rather than strictly partisan. He told the Sacramento Bee, "What voters want here is an independent voice, not a Democratic voice, not a Republican voice." He serves as a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition. Gray cited his work reversing Medicaid cuts and limiting presidential tariff authority as key legislative achievements. He also pointed to rising fuel costs resulting from the war with Iran as evidence of the current economic pressure.

The race will be decided by voters in a district that skims Fresno and stretches to Coalinga. Lincoln relies on his local name recognition in Stockton and his military background. He served in the Marine Corps' White House Military Office and guarded Marine One from 2001 to 2005. He also served as executive pastor at LifeSong Ministries through 2020. Gray relies on his record as a member of Congress and his moderate reputation. The final tally will determine which candidate retains the seat.