Michael Tubbs Pushes Bold Economic Vision in High-Stakes Lt. Governor Race

The former Stockton mayor is leaning on a record forged in one of California's most challenged cities to argue he's ready for a bigger stage.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:57pm

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A cinematic painting of a lone politician standing in a dimly lit government office, the space bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing Tubbs' pragmatic yet principled approach to governing.In a time of political polarization, Tubbs' pragmatic approach and moral framing of California's challenges could offer a unifying vision.Los Angeles Today

At 35, Michael Tubbs carries the urgency of a leader shaped by crisis—and the conviction of someone who believes government can still deliver. Now running for lieutenant governor, the former Stockton mayor is leaning on a record forged in one of California's most challenged cities to argue he's ready for a bigger stage.

Why it matters

Tubbs' campaign is as much about moral framing as it is policy detail, as he believes many of California's biggest challenges—homelessness, poverty, immigration—cannot be solved if they remain confined to partisan debate. His focus on economic equity and using the lieutenant governor's office as a platform for action could shape the state's future.

The details

Though his name recognition statewide is still growing, Tubbs says his work often precedes him. Voters may not immediately recognize his name, but many are familiar with the policies that put him on the national map—particularly Stockton's groundbreaking guaranteed income pilot. Tubbs remains unequivocal about scaling the program, framing it as a direct response to California's affordability crisis. Before launching his campaign, Tubbs continued advancing that work through a portfolio of initiatives focused on economic mobility and systems change.

  • Tubbs served as mayor of Stockton from 2017 to 2021.
  • Tubbs launched his campaign for lieutenant governor in 2025.

The players

Michael Tubbs

A 35-year-old former mayor of Stockton who is now running for lieutenant governor of California, leaning on his record of leading the city through crises and implementing innovative economic policies like a guaranteed income program.

Fiona Ma

The current California State Treasurer who is running against Tubbs in the lieutenant governor race.

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who has endorsed Tubbs in his lieutenant governor campaign.

Marian Wright Edelman

A civil rights leader who Tubbs cites as a formative influence.

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What they’re saying

“I'm a next-generation leader with experience. I've had to lead in tough and crisis, and still get things done.”

— Michael Tubbs, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor

“100 percent, it should be scaled. People are working incredibly hard and still can't afford housing or childcare. We know from the data—this works.”

— Michael Tubbs, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor

“I'm not committed to being right. I'm committed to getting it right.”

— Michael Tubbs, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor

What’s next

Tubbs will continue campaigning for the lieutenant governor race, with the election scheduled for November 2026.

The takeaway

Tubbs' focus on economic equity and using the lieutenant governor's office as a platform for action could shape California's future, as he seeks to make government work for everyone in the state, not just the few.