Rep. Gray Holds $2 Million Fundraising Lead Over Lincoln in District 13

Federal Election Commission records show Democratic Rep. Adam Gray holding a $2 million fundraising advantage over Republican Kevin Lincoln in California's 13th Congressional District. As of June 30, Gray had secured $4.2 million in contributions and loans. Lincoln, the former mayor of Stockton, has raised $2.2 million for his campaign.

The two candidates face each other on Nov. 3 in a district redrawn under Proposition 50. The new boundaries include the heart of the San Joaquin Valley's agricultural region, extending south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area. Gray won the seat two years ago by 187 votes out of 210,921 cast, defeating then-Rep. John Duarte. State records from 2023 indicate 42.3% of registered voters in the old district were Democrats and 28.5% were Republicans.

Lincoln, a former Marine, switched his primary target from Rep. Josh Harder to Gray after the redistricting. He holds the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who posted on Truth Social in December that Lincoln has his "Complete and Total Endorsement." Lincoln described the support as making him "honored and thankful" and continues to feature the endorsement on his campaign website. He has also recorded a "MAGA Majority" video for the National Republican Congressional Committee, detailing his service in the White House Military Office and his role as a pastor at LifeSong Ministries in Stockton.

Both candidates identify affordability as the central issue. Lincoln argues that Gray repeatedly voted to raise taxes. He stated at a September rally that his goal is to lower the cost of gas, food, and utilities while cutting taxes and creating jobs. He accused Gray of increasing the gas tax by 113% a gallon during his time in the California Legislature.

Gray, a Merced native and member of the Blue Dog Coalition, positions himself as an independent voice rather than a partisan one. He told the Sacramento Bee that voters want an "independent voice, not a Democratic voice, not a Republican voice." He cites his work reversing Medicaid cuts and limiting presidential tariff powers as key achievements. He also introduced a measure to reduce regulations around thermal energy.

Democrats are monitoring the race closely, betting that high gas prices and aggressive immigration raids may hurt Lincoln despite Trump's support. Lincoln says he knows how to "grind, fight and win a tough election." The next step in the campaign calendar is the Nov. 3 general election, where voters will choose between the two veteran politicians.