Gray Holds $2 Million Fundraising Edge in Redrawn District 13

Voters in California’s 13th Congressional District will decide on Nov. 3 who represents the San Joaquin Valley in Washington. The contest pits Democratic U.S. Rep. Adam Gray against Republican Kevin Lincoln, a former Stockton mayor. Federal Election Commission data shows a clear financial gap between the two campaigns as the general election nears.

The latest figures, filed as of June 30, indicate that Gray has raised $4.2 million in contributions and loans. Lincoln has reported $2.2 million for his campaign. This $2 million disparity defines the current state of the race’s resources.

The district itself was reshaped by the redistricting process under Proposition 50. The new boundaries create a seat that covers the agricultural heart of the San Joaquin Valley and extends south along Interstate 5 to the Coalinga area, bypassing Fresno. This change pulled downtown Stockton into Gray’s district, a move that surprised many local residents who did not know the former state assemblymember.

Gray won his initial term with a margin of 187 votes out of 210,921 cast. He defeated Republican Rep. John Duarte in that closely watched contest. Lincoln, who previously represented parts of the 9th District, entered this race after deciding not to challenge Josh Harder again. He switched to the newly drawn 13th District to seek a rematch in the Valley.

Both candidates agree that affordability is the primary concern for voters in the region. However, they propose different solutions to high costs. Lincoln argues that homeownership is becoming too expensive and accuses Gray of voting to raise taxes. At a rally in September, Lincoln stated his goal is to lower the price of gas, food, and utilities while cutting taxes and creating jobs.

Lincoln holds the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who granted him his "Complete and Total Endorsement" on Truth Social in December. Lincoln described himself as "honored and thankful" for the support. He also appears in a video for the National Republican Congressional Committee where he details his service in the Marine Corps' White House Military Office and his time as a pastor at LifeSong Ministries.

Gray, a native of Merced, takes a different approach to the presidency. He has labeled Trump's deportation policies as "irresponsible, reckless, dangerous." In an interview with the Sacramento Bee, Gray emphasized his independence, saying voters want an independent voice rather than one defined by party labels. He serves as a whip for the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate lawmakers.

On specific policy matters, Gray points to his work reversing Medicaid cuts and limiting tariff authority. He also introduced a measure to reduce regulations on thermal energy. Lincoln counters these points by citing state records that show Gray increased the gas tax by more than 113% per gallon during his time in the California Legislature.

The race will conclude on Nov. 3. Voters in the 13th District will mark their ballots to select the representative for this agricultural region. The outcome will determine which party holds the seat in the next Congress.