Kevin Lincoln, the Republican mayor of Stockton, launched a 2024 bid to unseat Democratic Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA) in California's 9th Congressional District.
Lincoln is a third-generation Stocktonian who served in the Marines as a military police officer. Although his term as mayor is not up until next year, Lincoln announced his campaign on Monday, stating that he’s running for Congress to “build on progress.”
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“Lowering the cost of living, supporting public safety, strengthening local schools, defending our valley water and farms, honoring our veterans and protecting our seniors and getting to the bottom of our nation's homeless crisis,” Lincoln outlined as key factors in his campaign launch.
Lincoln's run is part of a broader push from the GOP to target vulnerable Democratic seats in an effort to retain and expand the party's House majority in 2024.
The 9th District was redrawn recently, adding a competitive edge to the race. Harder beat Republican challenger Tom Patti by nearly 10 percentage points in 2022. Data from the California secretary of state shows voters in the region lean Democratic, as 44% of registered voters are Democrats and 28% are Republicans as of September 2022.
Harder once represented the 10th District but after redistricting won reelection for the 9th, which encompasses Central Valley in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.
While no endorsement has been announced, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), along with other members of the California Republican congressional delegation, is expected to attend a fundraising event on Thursday in support of Lincoln’s congressional run, according to KCRA 3.
Lincoln touted his work in Stockton, saying the city operated "on a bipartisan basis" and aims to bring that collaboration to Washington.
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“Division, blame, bipartisanship – Both parties are to blame and Valley residents end up paying the price,” Lincoln said.
A church pastor in Ripon, Republican Brett Dood is the only other candidate who has announced a run for the district.