Kevin Lincoln aims to unseat Harder in Congress to represent District 9. Where he stands on issues
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, a Republican, is hoping to step into a new role next year to represent California's 9th district in Congress.
Lincoln is trying to unseat Democratic incumbent, Josh Harder. Harder has served three terms so far.
The race to represent one of California's more purple districts and will be one closely watched nationally, as it is seen as one that could determine which political party controls Congress.
Both parties have poured money into the race, buying up television airtime to run commercials attacking one another. Despite the attention on the race, neither Harder nor Lincoln responded to KCRA 3's request for a televised debate. Each agreed to do individual interviews.
KCRA 3 asked each about issues that are top of mind for California voters, starting with concerns around the economy and cost of living.
The economy and cost of living
"The American people are struggling right now and the people in California’s ninth congressional district are really hurting financially," Lincoln told KCRA 3 when asked about the issue. "It’s important to push for legislation at the federal level that’s going to reduce the amount of inflation we’re dealing with, lower the cost of living and put money back into the pockets of the hardworking American people."
Homelessness
When asked about the federal government's role in California's homelessness and housing crisis, Lincoln said, "We need to figure out ways to make sure we lower the cost of living."
He noted construction costs and other costs associated with housing are "through the roof" and require some policy changes.
"We need to make sure we’re expanding our housing voucher programs and we also need to make sure we’re providing incentives so that we can build more houses for hardworking people as well," Lincoln said.
Lincoln also said Congress needs to look at ways to reduce regulations at the federal level that prevent housing production, while also turning up the heat on the state.
"We need to make sure we put pressure on the state level as well, because it’s tough living in California, it’s tough to build a home in California. It’s tough to afford rent in California," Lincoln said.
Immigration
Another top issue for voters is the situation at the southern border and immigration.
"We have to protect and secure our borders for a matter of public health and public safety," Lincoln said, pointing to the amount of illegal fentanyl coming through the border.
"What’s happening at the border right now is making it difficult for those who are going through the immigration process the right way. It’s unfair, it’s unacceptable and as a nation, we have to do better. And our immigration policy as a nation should not be solely dependent on who is in office."
When asked about Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's plan to conduct mass deportations of people already in the country, Lincoln said families shouldn't have to be torn away from one another.
"But if you're in this country illegally, then you shouldn’t be here," Lincoln said. "We have to send you back to your country and then you need to come back the right way cause what’s happening right now. There’s a public safety aspect that’s been happening at our borders, specifically related to crime throughout the nation, and that’s not OK."
Abortion
California is one of 21 states where abortion remains legal following the United States Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
When asked if he would support a national abortion ban should a proposal move through Congress, Lincoln said, "My statement has always been clear and consistent from the beginning. I'm not going to Washington to support a federal abortion ban."
For more information about the November election, including key issues and other races on the ballot, check out the KCRA 3 Voter Guide.