Michael Tubbs facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michael Tubbs
79th Mayor of Stockton
In office January 1, 2017 – January 1, 2021
Preceded by	Anthony Silva
Succeeded by	Kevin Lincoln
Member of the Stockton City Council from the 6th district
In office January 8, 2013 – January 1, 2017
Preceded by	Dale Fritchen
Succeeded by	Jesús Andrade
Personal details
Born	Michael Derrick Tubbs (1990-08-02) August 2, 1990 (age 35) Stockton, California, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Anna Nti-Asare ​ (m. 2017)​
Children	2
Education	Stanford University (BA, MA)

Michael Derrick Tubbs (born August 2, 1990) is an American leader and politician. He is currently a special adviser for economic mobility and opportunity for Governor Gavin Newsom in California. Before this, he was the 79th mayor of Stockton, California, from 2017 to 2021. He also served on the Stockton City Council from 2013 to 2017.

When he was elected mayor in 2016, Michael Tubbs made history. He became the youngest mayor in Stockton's history. He was also the city's first African-American mayor. At 26, he was the youngest mayor of any U.S. city with more than 100,000 people. In 2020, he ran for reelection but lost to Kevin Lincoln.

Early Life and Education

Michael Tubbs grew up in south Stockton, California. His mother, Racole Dixon, was a teenager when he was born. He has a younger brother named Drevonte.

Tubbs went to Hamilton Middle School. While at Franklin High School, he won an essay contest. His essay was about overcoming challenges. It was published in the San Francisco Chronicle.

He graduated from Franklin High School in 2008 with an International Baccalaureate. That same year, he was part of a team that won a national debate competition. They argued for universal health care.

College and Beyond

Tubbs then attended Stanford University with a scholarship. He was the first in his family to go to college. He earned two degrees from Stanford in 2012. He studied Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity and Policy, Leadership and Organization Studies.

While at Stanford, he received a Truman Scholarship. He also won an award for his contributions to student life. He was the president of the NAACP chapter at his school. He also worked as an intern at the White House.

Political Career

Michael Tubbs began his political journey by running for the Stockton City Council. He ran for District 6 in 2012. He won the election and became a council member in January 2013. He was 22 years old, making him the youngest council member in Stockton's history. A documentary called True Son was made about his campaign.

Becoming Mayor of Stockton

On September 2, 2015, Tubbs announced he would run for mayor of Stockton. He ran against the current mayor, Anthony Silva. Former President Barack Obama supported Tubbs in the election.

Tubbs won the election with a large number of votes. He became Stockton's first Black mayor and its youngest mayor ever. His term as mayor started on January 1, 2017.

Key Programs as Mayor

As mayor, Tubbs supported a program called universal basic income (UBI). This program, called SEED, gave $500 each month to 125 selected residents for 18 months. The money had no rules on how it could be spent. This project was funded by private groups and donors.

Tubbs also helped start a group called Mayors for a Guaranteed Income. This group brings together mayors who support UBI. By 2022, more than 60 cities had joined this group.

During his time as mayor, Tubbs also worked on other important issues. He created programs to reduce gun violence and help people experiencing homelessness. He also set up mentorship programs for students who needed extra support.

In 2020, Tubbs ran for mayor again but lost to Kevin Lincoln. During his reelection campaign, an HBO documentary called Stockton on My Mind featured him.

After Being Mayor

After his term as mayor ended, Michael Tubbs continued his work in public service. On March 11, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed him as a special adviser. In this role, he focuses on economic mobility and opportunity for people in California.

In June 2021, Tubbs became an emeritus member of a group called Mayors Organized for Reparations and Equity. This group works to create programs for reparations in cities.

In 2022, Tubbs started a nonprofit organization called End Poverty in California (EPIC). This group aims to address wealth differences. As part of his work, he has traveled across California to talk with people living in poverty. He also continues to lead Mayors for Guaranteed Income.

In July 2024, Tubbs shared his plan to run for Lieutenant Governor of California in 2026.

Personal Life

Michael Tubbs and his wife Anna

In December 2017, Michael Tubbs married Anna Malaika Nti-Asare. They met while studying at Stanford University. Anna also has a master's degree from King's College, Cambridge. She taught in Stockton and is now a doctoral student.

Michael and Anna have two children. Their son was born in October 2019, and their daughter was born in August 2021.

In 2022, Tubbs published his memoir, The Deeper the Roots: A Memoir of Hope and Home. He also appeared in the documentary It's Basic, which premiered in 2023.

See also

• List of first African-American mayors
• African American mayors in California