Central Valley congressional races test incumbency, Trump ties and local issues
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Two Central Valley congressional races on the June 2 primary ballot will test how much incumbency, redistricting and national politics are shaping voters in San Joaquin County and neighboring Valley communities.
In California’s 9th Congressional District, Democratic Rep. Josh Harder is seeking another term after holding off former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln in 2024. This year, Harder faces a Republican primary field that includes John McBride, an athletic performance coach and repeat candidate who is trying to position himself as a local alternative to the incumbent.
In the 13th Congressional District, Democratic Rep. Adam Gray is seeking reelection after winning one of the closest House races in the country by fewer than 200 votes. Lincoln, who lost to Harder in CA-09 two years ago, is now running in CA-13 with the endorsement of President Donald Trump.
Under California’s top-two primary system, all candidates appear on the same ba…