Gray Outspends Lincoln by $2 Million in Tight Valley House Race

Democratic U.S. Rep. Adam Gray holds a $4.2 million war chest, nearly double the $2.2 million raised by his Republican challenger, Kevin Lincoln. The Federal Election Commission reported these figures as of June 30. The gap gives Gray a financial edge in the race for California's 13th Congressional District, which voters will decide on Nov. 3.

Gray won the seat two years ago by 187 votes. His victory over Republican Rep. John Duarte came after 210,921 ballots were cast. That narrow margin has drawn intense attention to the current contest. Lincoln, a former Stockton mayor and Marine, entered the race after district lines were redrawn under Proposition 50. He previously ran against Rep. Josh Harder in the 9th District in 2024 without success.

The new 13th District covers the agricultural heart of the San Joaquin Valley. It extends south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area. State records from 2023 indicate 42.3% of registered voters in the district are Democrats, while 28.5% are Republicans. Lincoln carries the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who granted him his "Complete and Total Endorsement" in December. Lincoln displayed the endorsement on his campaign website and called himself "honored and thankful."

Both candidates identify affordability as the primary issue. Lincoln aims to "restore the American dream" by making home ownership more accessible. He plans to lower costs for gas, food, and utilities while cutting taxes. At a September rally, he stated he "knows how to grind, knows how to fight and how to win a tough election." He also recorded a video for the National Republican Congressional Committee detailing his service in the Marine Corps' White House Military Office and his role as executive pastor at LifeSong Ministries until 2020.

Gray, a Merced native, positions himself as an independent voice. He serves as a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate lawmakers. He described Trump's deportation policies as "irresponsible, reckless, dangerous." Gray credits his legislative work for reversing Republican Medicaid cuts and limiting presidential tariff powers. He also introduced a measure to reduce regulations on thermal energy.

The candidates trade accusations over specific fiscal policies. Lincoln claims Gray "increased the gas tax over 113% a gallon" during his time in the California Legislature. Gray points to recent spikes in gasoline and diesel prices linked to the war with Iran as evidence of the current economic strain. Democrats argue that high gas prices and aggressive immigration raids may weaken Trump-backed candidates. Lincoln counters that his local experience in Stockton prepares him to fight for the district's residents.