Michael Tubbs
Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor in California
California Lieutenant Governor winner?
$29.6K
NOV 7, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleFormer Mayor
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age36 years old (Aug 2, 1990)
GenderMale
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LocationCalifornia
BackgroundPolitician
EducationStanford University (BA)
Notable personal detailsMichael Derrick Tubbs is an American politician and anti-poverty advocate who served on the Stockton City Council (District 6) from 2013 to 2017 and as the 79th mayor of Stockton, California from 2017 to 2021. He later served as a special adviser for economic mobility and opportunity for California Governor Gavin Newsom. Tubbs founded Mayors for a Guaranteed Income in 2020 and has run for California lieutenant governor (2026).
SourcesShowHide
Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
Michael Tubbs advocates direct cash supports and policies aligned with wealth redistribution, including piloting and supporting guaranteed/ universal basic income and federal cash assistance. He has proposed using public funds (and reallocating federal spending) and tax/fee revenues as potential sources to expand such programs. These positions emphasize expanded government spending to reduce poverty and increase economic security.
Healthcare
Michael Tubbs emphasizes addressing health through anti-poverty and public‑health interventions (for example, guaranteed/basic income pilots and trauma‑informed community programs) rather than proposing a specific national insurance model; his public record focuses on social determinants of health and local public‑health initiatives without a clear stated position for/against Medicare for All or major federal insurance reforms.
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Immigration & Border
Supports protecting immigrant communities from federal immigration enforcement and resisting raids and deportations; has backed local sanctuary-style protections and emphasized that Stockton is a city of immigrants deserving safety and inclusion.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate supports protecting abortion access and rejects government interference with individuals' reproductive decisions. The candidate has spoken in favor of maintaining and defending access to abortion care.
Climate & Energy
Supports addressing climate change through government action, prioritizes clean air and safe drinking water for Californians, and emphasizes stewardship roles of state offices (e.g., State Lands Commission) when balancing environmental protection and development. Favors using public institutions and policy to enable clean-energy and housing projects as part of broader climate and sustainability efforts.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate emphasizes community-based violence-prevention programs and working collaboratively with police to reduce homicides and officer-involved shootings, favoring interventions like stipends and support services for at-risk individuals alongside police reform efforts. Public messaging stresses reducing gun violence through prevention and community investment rather than advocating for expanded gun rights or a deregulatory approach.
Latest News
Michael Tubbs is in the news because he is running in California’s 2026 lieutenant governor race and has been featured in candidate forums and profile pieces ahead of the primary. Coverage has focused on his policy pitch, including housing, education, and economic plans, as well as the broader role the office can play in state boards and land policy. The race is moving toward the primary, where voters will narrow the field.
L.A. Mayoral Candidates To Participate in Forum As Primary Day Nears
Fiona Ma v. Josh Fryday v. Michael Tubbs v. Gloria Romero. We ask. They answer.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in California's state primary
Monday is last day to register to vote in primary election — but you can still vote if you forget
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising