Voters in District 5 will decide whether to reelect the incumbent or choose a new Stockton City Council representative in the June 2 primary election.
The Stockton City Council is the city’s primary legislative body. It approves the city budget, levies taxes and makes or amends city laws, policies and ordinances.
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The city council has seven members, including the mayor. The mayor is elected at large, while the other six members are elected from the city’s six districts.
District 5 is located in the south-central part of Stockton and had a population of 51,649 as of the 2020 census.
Starting Jan. 1, councilmembers will receive a salary increase to $40,000 annually, or $3,333.33 monthly, with no benefits. They currently earn $30,832.62 annually, or $2,569.40 monthly. The position is part time.
Brando Villapudua, the incumbent, is seeking reelection. He assumed office in January 2023 after winning outright against Jewelian Johnson in the June 2022 election for Stockton City Council District 5. This year, he is facing four challengers: Desiree Lynch, a post-surgery recovery nurse; Mary Elizabeth, a scientist and registered environmental health specialist; Max Beas, a small business owner; and Ruben Harper, who has no listed ballot designation.
A candidate must receive a majority of votes to win outright. If no candidate receives a majority, the top two vote-getters will advance to a runoff in the general election.
The campaign has centered on community safety, economic development, civic engagement and quality-of-life issues.
Villapudua has not participated in candidate forums during the campaign to outline his plans for a second term. He said he has focused on fostering a strong community, supporting job creation and business development, and improving public safety.
Lynch has said her experience as a nurse caring for vulnerable populations shaped her approach to leadership. She has emphasized accountability, public service and showing up for the community.
Elizabeth has said her deep roots as a fourth-generation Stockton resident inform her campaign, which focuses on environmental justice and civic engagement. She has also said she regularly attends city council meetings.
Beas has not outlined his campaign priorities and has not participated in candidate forums. His campaign website features a photo of him alongside the words “God. Family. Community.”
Harper has said his experience as an educator and football coach at Franklin High School motivated him to run. He has focused on improving conditions for youth and addressing violence and other challenges in the community.
Villapudua has received endorsements from the California Federation of Labor Unions AFL-CIO and Operating Engineers Local 3.
Lynch is endorsed by Vice Mayor Jason Lee, former Stockton Unified School District Trustee Clarence Chan, the Harry Truman Club of San Joaquin County and Ned Leiba, a longtime local certified public accountant and chair of the Measure A Citizens Advisory Committee.
Elizabeth is endorsed by Gun Sense Voter.
Beas and Harper have not reported any endorsements.
Ballots may be dropped off at any of the county’s 27 secure ballot drop boxes. Voters can view hours and locations on the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters website. On Election Day, voters may cast ballots at any of the county’s 130 polling places, the registrar of voters’ office or drop boxes. Voting is available until 8 p.m. June 2.
This story will be updated as election results come in.
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: Villapudua faces four challengers in Stockton City Council District 5 race
Reporting by Hannah Workman, The Stockton Record / The Record
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