Stockton politics: Lincoln and Gray clash over cost of living

Residents of the San Joaquin Valley face a choice between two experienced politicians this November. On Nov. 3, voters in California's 13th Congressional District will select between Democratic Rep. Adam Gray and Republican Kevin Lincoln, the former mayor of Stockton. Both candidates identify affordability as the central problem in the district, yet they propose different solutions to lower the cost of living.

Gray holds a financial advantage in the race. Federal Election Commission figures from June 30 show Gray raised $4.2 million in contributions and loans. Lincoln has raised $2.2 million. The district was redrawn under Proposition 50, shifting its boundaries to include downtown Stockton. Before the redistricting, 2023 state records indicated that 42.3% of registered voters were Democrats and 28.5% were Republicans. The new district stretches from the agricultural heart of the Valley south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area, bypassing Fresno.

Lincoln is a familiar figure in local politics. He served as a Marine and ran unsuccessfully against Rep. Josh Harder in the 9th District in 2024. He initially planned a rematch with Harder but switched to the 13th District after the map changes. Gray, a former state assemblymember, won the seat two years ago with a margin of 187 votes out of 210,921 ballots cast. His victory over Republican Rep. John Duarte was one of the narrowest in recent history.

President Donald Trump has publicly backed Lincoln. In December, Trump wrote on Truth Social 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. Democrats argue that the endorsement may hurt Lincoln because of high gas prices and aggressive immigration raids. Lincoln has also recorded a video for the National Republican Congressional Committee. The clip highlights his time as a Marine who protected the president and his work as a pastor.

Lincoln's campaign focuses on restoring the American dream through home ownership. He accuses Gray of voting to raise taxes repeatedly. At a September rally, Lincoln said he wants to lower the cost of gas, food, and utilities. He also pledged to create jobs, cut taxes, and expand healthcare access. Lincoln described himself as someone who knows how to grind, fight, and win tough elections. His LinkedIn profile notes he served in the Marine Corps' White House Military Office from 2001 to 2005. He guarded Marine One during that period and served as executive pastor at LifeSong Ministries through 2020.

Gray, a native of Merced, has criticized Trump's deportation policies as irresponsible and reckless. He avoids strict party labels, telling the Sacramento Bee that voters want an independent voice rather than a Democratic or Republican one. Gray serves as a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate lawmakers. He points to his efforts to reverse Medicaid cuts and limit presidential tariff powers. He also introduced a measure to reduce regulations on thermal energy. The recent rise in gasoline and diesel prices due to the war with Iran adds weight to his arguments.

Lincoln counters Gray's record with specific numbers. He claims Gray increased the gas tax by over 113% per gallon while serving in the California Legislature. This figure is central to Lincoln's messaging on the district's economic struggles. The race will determine the fate of a district that includes key agricultural areas and parts of the Central Valley.

The two candidates will compete for the final say on the district's direction. The outcome will reflect the balance of power in a region that has seen significant shifts in political registration. Both men bring distinct backgrounds to the table, from military service to local government. Their debate will center on how best to address the high cost of daily necessities for Valley residents.