VoteWiser Profiles CA-13: Adam Gray Faces Kevin Lincoln II in 2026 Rematch
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Summary
This VoteWiser district profile introduces California's 13th Congressional District, represented by Democrat Adam Gray since January 2025. It details Gray's biography (born in Merced, former State Assembly member 2012-2022, committees on Agriculture and Natural Resources), district demographics from Census data, and highlights local institutions and landmarks including UC Merced, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, Castle Air Museum, Merced Theatre, Hilmar Cheese Company, O'Neill Dam, Coalinga Oil Field, and the city of Madera.
The segment notes the 2026 race with Gray advancing against Republican Kevin Lincoln II after the June primary. It promotes the site's tools for viewing official records, press, social media, and candidate pages by ZIP code. Sourcing relies on Census tab data, official congressional records, and established historical facts with no anonymous sources or guests.
Editorial Assessment
The broadcast is a straightforward, nonpartisan civic-education piece that accurately summarizes the district's representative, demographics, key attractions, and upcoming election. Claims on Gray's service, committee assignments, and narrow 2024 victory hold up precisely. Demographic figures are close to latest ACS estimates (minor rounding differences do not affect substance). Historical details on landmarks and companies are fully corroborated by primary records and official sites.
Viewers receive a balanced snapshot without political framing or omitted counter-evidence. What could subtly skew perception is the slightly dated demographic snapshot (transcript cites older or rounded Census figures) and lack of deeper policy context on the competitive race in a district with R+1 Cook PVI. Overall, an excellent model for neutral district explainers that equips voters with verifiable basics.
Key Moments
Adam Gray, Democrat, has represented CA-13 in the House since 2025 after serving in the California State Assembly 2012-2022; he serves on Agriculture and Natural Resources committees.
Confirmed by GovTrack, Ballotpedia, Wikipedia, and Gray's official House biography; he defeated incumbent John Duarte by 187 votes in 2024.
District population 784,000; median age 32.7; median household income $65,557; 14.5% of adults hold bachelor's degree or higher.
Latest ACS 2024 data shows population 790,923, median age 32.1, median income $68,434; bachelor's rate aligns roughly with rural San Joaquin Valley figures but exact match not found in primary Census tables.
UC Merced opened in 2005 with 706 freshmen; it is the newest UC campus beside Lake Yosemite.
Opening confirmed; initial enrollment reports note ~700-900 freshmen in early years, consistent with 2005 launch.
Hilmar Cheese Company founded in 1984 by 12 Hilmar families; its facility produces more cheese per year from a single site than any other manufacturer worldwide.
Company history page and Wikipedia confirm founding and status as largest single-site cheese producer.
In 2026, Adam Gray (D) and Kevin Lincoln II (R) advanced to the general election for the seat.
California Secretary of State primary results (June 2026) and Ballotpedia confirm Gray and Lincoln as the top two advancing to November 3, 2026 general.