Rep. Adam Gray declared victory Wednesday morning over Kevin Lincoln in their race for California’s 13th Congressional District seat.

That speed of the Merced Democrat’s win contrasted with 2024, when he took out incumbent Republican congressman John Duarte by 187 votes in the House’s closest race. That verdict required nearly a month to become clear.

Republicans targeted this year’s race as one they could win with former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln on the ballot. But despite backing Lincoln with immense resources, Gray rode the nationwide Blue Wave to easy victory.

The Wednesday morning tabulation for the Central Valley seat showed Gray with 61.3% of the vote and Lincoln with 38.7%.

“Valley voters have once again placed their trust in me, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly,” Gray said. “People here in the Valley want their leaders focused on what matters: lowering costs, reliable water, good-paying jobs, and affordable healthcare. They expect us to put people ahead of politics and work together to solve problems.”

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Fong Declares Victory Over Van Scotter

In the South Valley, incumbent Rep. Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, had what he termed an “insurmountable” lead against his Democratic opponent, Sandra Van Scotter.

Fong had 62.6% of the vote as of Wednesday morning while Van Scotter was at 37.4% in the 21st District race.

“Over the next two years, I will keep fighting for the priorities that matter most to our communities: Lowering gas prices by expanding domestic energy production, strengthening water infrastructure to support our farmers, standing behind our local military installations, and protecting taxpayers and small businesses by keeping taxes low,” Fong said in a statement.

Costa Notches One of His Easiest Victories Ever

Fresno Democrat Jim Costa has survived a couple of cliff-hangers in congressional elections. But, with a district drawn to his benefit and Democrats overwhelmingly in favor thanks to Trump administration blunders, he will begin his 22nd year in the House come January.

Through Wednesday morning, Costa led Republican businessman Kyle Kirkland of Clovis, 62.2% to 37.8% in the 21st District race.

Last month, Costa launched his bid to become the top Democrat on the powerful House Agriculture Committee. With Dems now in charge of Congress, that means he’s aiming to become the committee chair.

Costa said he would be “ready on day one” to lead the ag committee and described his agenda as simple: “Keep farmers farming, keep families fed, and make this committee work for every member of our caucus.”

McClintock Preps for His Ninth Term in the House

Mountain communities backed incumbent Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove, with 56.2% of the vote compared with 43.8% for Democrat Michael Masuda. The Secretary of State’s website reported 100% of districts partially reporting.

McClintock has represented California’s east side mountain and foothill communities in Congress since 2009.

About Tuesday night’s Blue Wave that gave Democrats control of the House and the Senate, McClintock said: “We got the wake-up call nationally that Republicans need to return to our constitutional roots. That message was received loudly tonight and I think it will be the heart of Republican positions as we go forward in the 120th Congress.”