California Political Playback

November 12, 2025

Republican Kevin Lincoln, a former Marine and Stockton mayor, has announced his candidacy for California's 13th Congressional District, challenging incumbent Democrat Adam Gray in what was one of California's closest House races in 2024. Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi announced her retirement from Congress after nearly 40 years representing San Francisco, prompting tributes from California lawmakers who praised her historic leadership and legislative achievements. California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed concerns about potential federal interference in the 2026 midterm elections under the Trump administration, citing past attempts to undermine election integrity.

Who is affected

Kevin Lincoln (Republican congressional candidate and former Stockton mayor)
Adam Gray (Democratic incumbent Representative, CA-13)
Residents of California's 13th Congressional District (Stockton, parts of Stanislaus, Merced, and Fresno counties)
Nancy Pelosi (retiring from Congress after nearly 40 years)
Democratic lawmakers and California Congressional delegation
California voters and election officials
Vulnerable communities targeted by criminals impersonating ICE agents (including immigrants in New York, Florida, and North Carolina)
Crime victims who were robbed, kidnapped, or sexually assaulted by ICE impersonators
Approximately 720,000 Californians living with Alzheimer's disease and their families
Women, Black, Indigenous, Latino, and LGBTQ communities (disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's)
California family caregivers

What action is being taken

Kevin Lincoln is running for Congress in California's 13th District
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is criticizing Lincoln's mayoral record
State Republicans have filed a federal lawsuit to block new congressional maps
California Attorney General Rob Bonta is monitoring federal election observers and using legal tools to protect election integrity
The FBI is warning about criminals impersonating ICE agents and urging law enforcement to properly identify themselves
California's Neurodegenerative Disease Registry is tracking Alzheimer's and other diseases (launched July 1, 2025)
State-funded programs through the Master Plan for Aging are providing support through university centers, agencies, and resource centers
Californians are contributing to Alzheimer's research through the state's voluntary tax check-off program

Why it matters

Kevin Lincoln's congressional campaign is significant because it sets up a rematch-style race in one of California's most competitive districts, where the incumbent won by less than one percentage point despite a 15-point Democratic lean. Nancy Pelosi's retirement marks the end of an era for one of the most powerful Democrats in U.S. history, whose leadership shaped party agenda and legislative achievements like the Affordable Care Act for decades. Attorney General Bonta's concerns about election interference highlight tensions between California and the Trump administration and raise questions about federal versus state authority in election administration. The FBI's warning about ICE impersonation is critical because these crimes target vulnerable immigrant communities, erode trust in law enforcement, and create confusion between legitimate officers and criminals committing violent offenses. Alzheimer's awareness and California's related initiatives matter because the disease affects hundreds of thousands of residents, disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, and places enormous financial and emotional burdens on families and caregivers.

What's next

Lincoln will face Adam Gray in the November 2026 election for California's 13th District
A ballot initiative aims to limit use of new congressional maps to one election cycle if it qualifies for the 2026 ballot
Nancy Pelosi will step down at the close of her current term
Attorney General Bonta expects to form a coalition with fellow Democratic attorneys general, including Virginia's Jay Jones, to resist potential Trump administration interference
Rep. Adriano Espaillat has introduced legislation to require ICE officers to display identifying insignia and prohibit masks during operations
California will continue implementing Master Plan for Aging initiatives focused on Alzheimer's support over the next two years

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint