
Michael Tubbs
California Lieutenant Governor winner?
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleFormer Mayor
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age35 years old (Aug 2, 1990)
GenderMale
Show moreShow less
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
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.
Show moreShow less
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.
News
Michael Tubbs is in the news as a California lieutenant governor candidate heading into the primary. He recently appeared in coverage of a pre-primary forum where candidates had a final chance to make their case to voters. Earlier coverage highlighted his policy pitch on housing, education, and economic competitiveness.
Endorsements
Endorsers of Michael Tubbs for California Lieutenant Governor winner?
California Donor Table
Elected official
California Donor Table endorsed Michael Tubbs in the 2026 California lieutenant governor race.
San Francisco Chronicle editorial board
Elected official
San Francisco Chronicle editorial board endorsed Michael Tubbs for California lieutenant governor.
Courage California
Elected official
Courage California endorsed Michael Tubbs for lieutenant governor.
Inland Empire United
Elected official
Inland Empire United endorsed Michael Tubbs for lieutenant governor.
AFSCME California PEOPLE
Elected official
AFSCME California PEOPLE listed Michael Tubbs as a primary endorsement for lieutenant governor.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Fundraising




