Josh Harder vs. Kevin Lincoln in California Congress race: Candidates answer key questions
Rep. Josh Harder, D-Tracy, faces Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln in California's 9th Congressional District in November.
The San Joaquin County district centers around Stockton. Nonpartisan election analysts are watching this 2024 race, saying the 9th will likely pick a Democrat rather than definitely.
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The Bee asked the candidates to fill out a survey. Their responses were checked and slightly edited for spelling and grammar.
Josh Harder
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Occupation: U.S. Representative
Education: Harvard Kennedy School (Master's of Public Policy); Harvard Business School (MBA); Stanford University (Bachelor's degree); Modesto High School
Offices held: U.S. Representative (2019-present)
Campaign website address: Harderforcongress.com
Q. What steps will you urge to improve cost of living and quality of life for people?
I'm a dad to two young daughters, and we see how expensive it's become to raise a family. I'm focused on getting prices down.
First, I introduced a bill to hold PG&E accountable for constantly raising rates. It's absurd how much utility bills are.
Second, we have to suspend the gas tax which adds almost $1 per gallon. I have a bill to get rid of that.
And finally, we have to lower health care costs. It's heartbreaking that families are forced to choose between their health and buying groceries. We capped insulin at $35, but we can't stop there. We need to cap costs for all life-saving drugs.
Q. What changes, if any, do you support for immigration and border policy?
We have to secure our borders and take responsible, common-sense steps to keep our families safe. I support the Senate bipartisan border agreement to hire new border agents and crack down on fentanyl being smuggled over our borders.
We need to invest in advanced drone technology, enhanced screening to detect drugs and weapons, and we need the ability to temporarily shut down our border during surges.
We also need comprehensive immigration reform so people are treated fairly. This includes a pathway to citizenship for our 10,000 DREAMers living here in our community. It's the right thing to do.
Q. Other than cost of living, immigration and the border, what is one of the greatest issues Californians are facing and what tangible measures do you propose Congress take to address it?
Crime is a big problem right now and our families just don't feel safe. Gun violence and dangerous drugs like fentanyl are on the rise, and it feels like law enforcement just can't keep up. We have to get law enforcement the resources they need to keep our families safe.
I've brought home millions of dollars for our police departments to help hire more cops and set up real time crime centers to cut down response times. Because of this work, I'm proud to have earned endorsements from San Joaquin County Sheriff Pat Withrow and the largest law enforcement organization in California.
Kevin Lincoln
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Occupation: Mayor of Stockton
Education: Liberty University (Master of Arts in Executive Leadership); Grand Canyon University (Bachelor of Science in Business Management); University of Phoenix (Associate of Arts in Business); United States Marine Corps
Offices held: Mayor (2021-present)
Campaign website address: kevinlincolnforcongress.com
Q. What steps will you urge to improve cost of living and quality of life for people?
Rising housing and grocery prices are making life unaffordable for district families. Congress must curb spending and policies that fuel inflation.
As mayor of Stockton, I've worked across the aisle to enhance quality of life, investing in homeless shelters, housing, and critical infrastructure. We've addressed encampments near sensitive sites and boosted local businesses with $508,000 in grants, 3,574 new business licenses, and new ordinances for retail development.
Q. What changes, if any, do you support for immigration and border policy?
As the grandson of an immigrant and a Marine veteran, I value the contributions immigrants make and the importance of public safety.
I'll prioritize bipartisan immigration reforms that secure our border and stop the flow of drugs. The safety and health of our Valley communities depend on it.
Washington's inaction strains our resources, as fentanyl seizures have skyrocketed over 800% since fiscal year 2019. In San Joaquin County alone, fentanyl caused 113 deaths in 2022. We must put politics aside and secure our border.
Q. Other than cost of living, immigration and the border, what is one of the greatest issues Californians are facing and what tangible measures do you propose Congress take to address it?
The housing crisis is one of the greatest challenges facing Californians, especially in the Valley. Having faced hardship and homelessness within my own family, I understand its devastating impact.
As your representative, I will push Congress to halt inflationary policies that make housing unaffordable, increase federal support for affordable housing, expand housing vouchers, and ensure working families have access to affordable options.
I'm committed to working across the aisle for real solutions because this issue is personal to me.
