Desiree Lynch has withdrawn from the Stockton City Council District 5 race, citing concerns about her safety, the safety of her family and her health, but her name will remain on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.
Lynch announced her decision in a statement shared with The Record on Aug. 14, one day after formally notifying the Stockton city clerk that she was withdrawing her candidacy for the general election.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my decision to withdraw from the Stockton District 5 Council race for 2026,” Lynch said in the statement. “This was not an easy choice, but after careful consideration of my personal circumstances and the best interests of our community, I believe it is the right step at this time.”
District 5 Councilmember Brando Villapudua, the incumbent in the race, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Lynch’s announcement.
The announcement came a day after the Stockton Police Department said it was aware of allegations of potential election fraud, including claims involving candidate residency and possible conspiracies to commit fraud. Police said the department does not investigate election fraud but encouraged anyone with information to report it to Stockton Crime Stoppers. The department did not identify Lynch or any other candidates in the news release.
Lynch said she had been in contact with the city clerk’s office about potentially withdrawing her candidacy since Aug. 10.
Lynch said her experience running for the city council has reinforced that her family, health and physical well-being are her top priorities, and that recent events surrounding the campaign have put all three at risk.
In a separate email to Interim City Attorney Donald Larkin on Aug. 13, Lynch said she currently resides in District 5 but plans to relocate outside the district because of safety concerns involving her and her daughter.
Lynch said she was recently placed in a safe-haven housing program for her protection but was told she had exhausted the time available through the program and would need to make other housing arrangements.
“Given these circumstances, I no longer feel safe remaining at my apartment,” Lynch wrote. “After careful consideration, I believe relocating outside of District 5 is necessary and in the best interest of my family’s safety and well-being.”
Lynch’s withdrawal comes amid weeks of public questions about her residency and a dispute over an apartment she listed as her residence on campaign paperwork.
Former Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva has alleged that Lynch does not live in District 5, citing videos and a property record he shared publicly. Lynch and Vice Mayor Jason Lee, who has endorsed her candidacy, have instead accused Silva and former Vice Mayor Ralph White of unlawfully entering the apartment and recording its interior.
Lynch filed for a temporary restraining order against Silva and White on July 29. A hearing on the order to show cause is scheduled for Aug. 20 in San Joaquin County Superior Court.
The Stockton Police Department said on July 29 that it was investigating the reported apartment entry after becoming aware of the matter on July 26.
After notifying the city clerk that she was withdrawing from the race, Lynch was told by Larkin that, under the Elections Code, her name could not be removed from the general election ballot because candidates can withdraw only before the primary election.
“Your name will remain on the general election ballot,” Larkin wrote.
Larkin said Lynch could issue a public statement saying she had requested to have her name removed from the ballot and was no longer a candidate for the city council.
Lynch said in her statement that she was deeply grateful for the trust, encouragement and dedication shown by her supporters, volunteers and everyone who believed in her campaign’s vision.
“Your commitment has been inspiring, and I will always cherish the connections we’ve built throughout this journey,” Lynch said. “Although I will no longer be a candidate, I remain committed to advocating for the values and priorities we share. I encourage you to stay engaged, support leaders who will work tirelessly for our community and continue important conversations we’ve started together.”
Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Desiree Lynch withdraws from Stockton City Council race, citing safety concerns
Reporting by Hannah Workman, The Stockton Record / The Record
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By Hannah Workman, The Stockton Record | USA TODAY Network
