Republican Kevin Lincoln Launches Campaign for U.S. Congress
Former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln announced Nov. 6 that he will run for Congress in California’s newly redrawn 13th District, setting up a high-profile contest with incumbent Democratic Rep. Adam Gray (D-CA-13).
Lincoln, a Republican and former U.S. Marine previously ran for Congress in 2024, losing to Democrat Josh Harder in California’s 9th District by 51.8 percent to 48.2 percent . He served as Stockton’s mayor from 2021-2025 and has described his political work as a “call to service,” portraying himself as a “bridge builder” prepared to extend that approach to Washington.
“As a Marine and former mayor, I’ve always dedicated my life to serving others,” Lincoln said in a statement. “I’m running for Congress to defend our families, fight for our farmers, and restore faith in the American Dream.”
The 13th District was reshaped under Proposition 50, which expands the boundaries south from Stockton’s downtown to include parts of Stanislaus, Merced, and Fresno counties. The district now leans Democratic by roughly 15 percentage points — although Gray won the 2024 race by fewer than one percentage point, making it one of California’s closest House contests.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) responded to Lincoln’s announcement with criticism of his record as mayor.
“Kevin Lincoln can run for Congress wherever he wants, but he can’t run from his record of skyrocketing housing and utility costs, rampant crime, and taxpayer-funded perks for himself,” said DCCC spokesperson Anna Elsasser.
State Republicans have filed a lawsuit in federal court to block the new congressional maps, arguing they give Democrats an unfair advantage. A separate ballot initiative aims to limit use of the new maps to one election cycle if it qualifies for the 2026 ballot.
California Elected Officials Respond to Nancy Pelosi’s Decision to Not Seek Reelection
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s announcement last week that she will retire from Congress at the end of her term has prompted tributes from California lawmakers who hailed her as a trailblazer, moral force and skilled political negotiator in American politics.
Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif,), praised Pelosi’s nearly 40-year tenure representing San Francisco in Congress, highlighting her record of defending democracy, advancing women’s rights, and shaping national policy.
Pelosi, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, announced she will step down at the close of her current term, ending a career marked by historic legislative achievements such as the Affordable Care Act and major infrastructure investments.
“Nancy Pelosi has never been a politician of convenience,” Simon said in a statement. “For four decades, she has stood in the storm, defending democracy, women, children, queer people, and working families with a kind of courage that cannot be taught.”
Simon said Pelosi’s decision “does not mark her exit; it marks a new type of presence,” noting that her leadership and mentorship will continue to shape new members of Congress.
Padilla called Pelosi “a torchbearer of Democratic and California values,” crediting her for breaking barriers as the first female speaker and for standing “as our nation’s chief defender against Donald Trump’s attacks on our democracy.”
Pelosi, who has represented San Francisco since 1987, is among the most powerful and influential Democrats in U.S. history.
Attorney Gen. Bonta Says He’s Worried About Midterm Election Security
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Nov. 6 that he is concerned President Donald Trump could use federal power to interfere with the 2026 midterm elections, citing a “disturbing pattern” of attempts to undermine state election procedures and voter confidence.
“I’m wary about this president, and he’s earned it. He’s earned the distrust on this issue. He has tried to interfere with elections in the past,” Bonta said in an interview, referencing Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Bonta said the state monitored Justice Department election observers during the recent vote on Proposition 50, a first in California history, to ensure federal officials did not improperly influence the outcome.
“We are in unprecedented territory with this administration,” Bonta said. “Trump hates California. Trump is targeting California.”
The attorney general also highlighted concerns about potential misuse of the National Guard or the U.S. Postal Service to influence California elections, as well as attempts to access voter lists that could be used for voter suppression.
A White House spokesperson accused Bonta of “fearmongering to excite a radical leftwing base,” claiming that California’s mail-in voting and local voting policies create risks of fraud. The Justice Department defended its monitors, saying they are trained professionals protected by federal law.
FBI: Criminals Are Impersonating ICE Agents to Commit Crimes
The FBI is warning that criminals are increasingly posing as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to carry out violent crimes. The bureau is also urging law enforcement agencies to ensure officers properly identify themselves during operations.
In an Oct. 17 bulletin, obtained through a public records request, the bureau cited cases in New York, Florida, and North Carolina in which perpetrators used ICE-branded clothing or claimed to be ICE officers to intimidate victims. Reported crimes include robberies, kidnappings, sexual assaults, and other violent acts.
“”These criminal impersonations make it difficult for the community to distinguish between legitimate officers conducting lawful law enforcement action and imposters engaging in criminal activity, which damages trust between the local community and law enforcement officers,” said the FBI.
Some examples highlighted in the bulletin include: in August, three men in New York robbed a restaurant, tying up staff who initially complied because the suspects identified themselves as ICE agents; in April in Florida, a woman was kidnapped after agreeing to leave with someone impersonating an ICE officer; in February in Brooklyn, a woman was assaulted by a man who posed as an ICE officer; and in January in North Carolina, a man posing as an ICE officer sexually assaulted a woman, threatening deportation.
The FBI is urging law enforcement to “clearly identify themselves during operations and cooperate with individuals who request further verification, such as calling their local precinct to verify the officer’s identity.”
Critics have argued that the anonymity provided by masks and the lack of insignia in some ICE operations not only enable impersonation crimes but also shield officers engaging in misconduct.
Gov. Newsom Proclaims November Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
Gov. Gavin Newsom has proclaimed November 2025 as “Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month,” highlighting California’s ongoing efforts to prevent, treat, and support those affected by the degenerative condition.
In his proclamation, Newsom emphasized that California is taking steps to reduce Alzheimer’s rates while addressing the growing number of residents living longer and at risk of dementia. The state is home to roughly 720,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as their families, who often face financial, emotional, and caregiving challenges.
“Those of us familiar with this progressive, degenerative disease with no cure know the toll it takes by erasing precious memories, reducing cognitive abilities, and draining financial resources and independence,” Newsom stated in the proclamation.
