Skip to main content

User menu

  • Home
  • Post a Job
  • Register

Site Network

  • County News
  • School News
Home
  • News
    • Campaigns and Elections
    • Pension Reform
    • Comings and Goings
  • Local Policy Issues
    • Housing and Land Use
    • Infrastructure
    • Green
    • Health Care
    • Public Safety
    • Transportation
    • Transparency
    • Cybersecurity
    • admin
  • Jobs Board
  • Contact

Now Hiring?

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs Loses Re-Election in Stunning Upset

Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs Loses Re-Election in Stunning Upset

By Brittany M. on
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print
3894

Call it the curse of the HBO special. Last week, in a plot twist few political observers saw coming, Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs conceded defeat to Republican challenger Kevin Lincoln in his bid for a second term.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as Mayor of my hometown,” Tubbs said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of the work we accomplished together as a community.”

Tubbs is a rising star in politics, who captured the attention of national media and movie producers. He became the city’s youngest mayor in 2016 with over 70% of the vote. He implemented the first city-led Universal Basic Income program in the country. He’s been in Forbes Magazine and gets shout outs from Oprah.

That stardom may have played a part in his stunning loss. Critics have accused him of being more interested in national politics than the situation in Stockton. They chided him for spending too much time away from home.

Tubbs was also the subject of a vicious social media campaign that was able to flourish, some say, because of the growing void in local news. His challenger was a charismatic figure too — the pastor of a local church. Like Tubbs, Lincoln is a young African American. He’s a former U.S. Marine who worked for George W. Bush. He ran on a platform of unity, government reform, and addressing the city’s homeless crisis.

The race wasn’t particularly close. Tubbs lost by 12.4 points… to a Republican… in a city that went 14.13 points for Joe Biden.

Despite his defeat, no one believes this is the end of the road for Tubbs. It may even open more doors.

“He should not be written off,” Democratic political consultant Steve Maviglio told the L.A. Times. “The guy reminds me of Bill Clinton. He, like Bill Clinton, had a very tough loss ... but I think he’s super smart, super energetic, well-liked — apparently not by the voters of Stockton — but well-liked in the policy groups and political circles.”

Tubbs could very well end up in Washington, D.C. soon. He acknowledges he’s spoken to family about the prospect. With a new Democratic administration coming to the White House, now’s the perfect time.

Tags
Featured
news
campaigns and elections
2020 election
Stockton
mayor
Michael Tubbs
Section
Campaigns and Elections
Brittany M.
Published 2 years ago
Last updated 2 years ago
3894
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print
Sign Up for Our Awesome Newsletter

 

City Jobs

  • Chief Labor Relations Officer
    City of Long Beach
  • Principal Engineer
    Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA)
  • City Manager
    City of Compton
  • SUPERVISING HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST / WORKFORCE PLANNING
    City of Stockton
  • Management Analyst (Public Works Department)
    City of Santa Paula
  • Finance Director
    Tuolumne Utilities District
  • Management Analyst (Community Development Department)
    City of Santa Paula
  • Utilities Director
    City of Gilroy
  • Building Official
    City of El Cerrito, CA
  • Police Chief
    City of Cotati, CA

Campaigns & Elections

Santa Ana Considers Allowing Noncitizens to Vote
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Undocumented immigrants could be able to vote in Santa Ana municipal elections under a policy being…
Rancho Cordova to Adopt New Map for District Elections
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
The Rancho Cordova City Council will take a major step next week toward finalizing a district-based…
Oakland Sees Another Election Mix-Up Involving Candidates for School Board
Thursday, August 24, 2023
A city error that almost disqualified the only two candidates from Oakland Unified’s District 5…
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln Running for Congress
Thursday, July 20, 2023
In 2020, Stockton experienced a huge political upset when the Republican pastor of a local church,…
Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer Launches Bid to Unseat Terra Lawson-Remer
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer has announced his candidacy for the county’s Third District…

Comings & Goings

Merced Hires New City Manager
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Merced has selected a City Hall insider to serve as its next city manager. Scott McBride will take…
Santa Monica City Clerk to Retire
Monday, September 25, 2023
Santa Monica City Clerk Denise Anderson-Warren will retire at the end of the year, concluding 29…
Santa Barbara County Sees More City Manager Retirements
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
At least two administrators from the Santa Barbara County area will vacate their positions this…
Laguna Beach Hires Interim City Manager
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Retired Irvine city manager Sean Joyce will take over as the interim city manager of Laguna Beach…
Manteca Hires New Director of Finance
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
The City of Manteca has hired a new finance director. Shay Narayan, who currently serves as budget…
Clear keys input element