Michael Tubbs, Stockton's trailblazing former mayor, has officially declared his candidacy for the role of California Lieutenant Governor in the upcoming 2026 elections. The announcement was made through a statement of organization filed last Sunday, marking his return to the political stage after his tenure as mayor ended in 2020.
Tubbs made history in 2016 when he was elected as Stockton's first Black mayor and one of the youngest mayors of a major U.S. city. During his term, Tubbs gained national prominence for initiating a pioneering universal basic income program, which provided $500 monthly to a select group of lower-income residents for two years. This initiative was part of a broader approach to address economic inequality and has been a cornerstone of Tubbs' political identity.
However, Tubbs' bid for reelection in 2020 saw him losing to Kevin Lincoln, who currently serves as Stockton’s mayor. Meanwhile, Lincoln has his sights set on a larger political role, challenging Democrat Josh Harder in U.S. House District 9.
As Tubbs steps back into the political arena with his run for lieutenant governor, his previous initiatives and leadership style will likely be key points of discussion among voters and political analysts alike. His candidacy introduces a seasoned yet youthful perspective into the race, potentially reshaping the political dynamics for California's future leadership.
