U.S. Rep. Adam Gray has won reelection to Congress, defeating former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln in California’s 13th Congressional District.
Gray, a Democrat, received 58,217 votes, or 61.3%, while Lincoln, a Republican, received 36,724 votes, or 38.7%, according to preliminary results from the Associated Press. About 57% of the votes had been counted when the AP called the race early Wednesday.
The victory gives Gray a second term representing the district, which includes parts of San Joaquin County and extends south through the San Joaquin Valley.
“Valley voters have once again placed their trust in me, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly,” he said.
Gray won his first House term by just 187 votes in 2024, ousting the Republican incumbent in the last U.S. House race to be called. He won a battleground that became more favorable to Democrats under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Proposition 50 redistricting plan last year.
Gray thanked his supporters and election workers, saying voters expect their leaders to focus on lowering costs, securing reliable water supplies, creating good-paying jobs and making healthcare more affordable.
“People here in the Valley want their leaders focused on what matters,” he said. “They expect us to put people ahead of politics and work together to solve problems.”
Lincoln conceded the race, congratulating Gray on his reelection and wishing him well as he continues representing the Valley.
“To everyone who volunteered, supported and poured their heart and soul into our campaign, thank you,” Lincoln said. “Your time, sacrifice and dedication reflected our shared love for this Valley and our desire to make it a better place for our families.”
He said he has had the privilege of serving the country as a U.S. Marine, local communities as a pastor at Stockton’s LifeSong Church and the people of Stockton as mayor. He called running for Congress and meeting people across the Valley “an honor of a lifetime.”
The contest brought together two familiar figures in San Joaquin Valley politics.
In 2024, Gray, a former state Assemblymember from Merced, narrowly defeated then-Rep. John Duarte, who had captured the seat in 2022 when he defeated Gray by one of the closest margins in the country: 564 votes.
Lincoln, who served as Stockton’s mayor through the end of 2024, previously ran unsuccessfully in California’s 9th Congressional District against U.S. Rep. Josh Harder. He initially planned to challenge Harder again but shifted his campaign to the 13th Congressional District after Prop. 50 redrew the state’s congressional boundaries.
The candidates offered differing approaches to the region’s challenges. Gray campaigned as a moderate Democrat, emphasizing affordability, economic development and water reliability. Lincoln focused on cutting government spending, lowering taxes and strengthening immigration enforcement.
Lincoln received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, which he highlighted throughout his campaign. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson also urged voters to elect Lincoln during a late-October rally at the Port of Stockton, calling the race a top contest in the GOP’s effort to maintain control of the House. Ultimately, the Republic Party lost control of both houses of Congress
Even with the prominent GOP endorsements, Gray entered the general election with advantages in voter registration and fundraising. Federal Election Commission records showed he had raised about $4.2 million in campaign contributions and loans through June 30, compared with about $2.2 million for Lincoln.
With the election behind him, Gray said he intends to return to work on the issues facing Valley residents.
“Now it’s time to get back to work,” he said. “There’s plenty to do, and I intend to make the most of the opportunity to continue serving the Valley.”