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 34) Stockton, California, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Anna Nti-Asare (2017–present)
Children	2
Education	Stanford University (BA, MA)

Michael Derrick Tubbs (born August 2, 1990) is an American politician. He currently works as 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.

Tubbs was elected mayor in 2016. He became the youngest mayor in Stockton's history and the first African-American mayor of the city. At 26, he was also the youngest mayor ever of a city with more than 100,000 people. In 2020, he ran for re-election but lost to Kevin Lincoln.

Michael Tubbs' Early Life

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

Michael's Education Journey

Tubbs went to Hamilton Middle School. In 2007, while he was a student at Franklin High School, he won an essay contest. The famous author Alice Walker sponsored the contest. His essay was about overcoming difficulties and was published in the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper.

He graduated from Franklin High School in 2008 with an International Baccalaureate diploma. That same year, Michael was part of a team of three teenagers from San Joaquin County. They won a national debate competition in Cincinnati that was sponsored by the NAACP. They argued for universal health care, and their debate was followed by a speech from presidential candidate Barack Obama.

After high school, Michael attended Stanford University with a scholarship. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2012 and a Master of Arts degree in Policy, Leadership and Organization Studies. While at Stanford, he received a Truman Scholarship. He also won the university's Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel award for his great contributions to student life. During his time there, he was also the president of the school's NAACP chapter and worked as an intern at the White House.

Michael Tubbs' Political Journey

Michael Tubbs with then-Senator Kamala Harris in 2020

In 2012, Tubbs decided to run for a seat on the Stockton City Council. He ran against the person who was already in office, Dale Fritchen. Michael won the first round of voting. He even received a $10,000 donation for his campaign from Oprah Winfrey after they met at Stanford.

Tubbs won the election, getting 61.7% of the votes. He started his term in January 2013 when he was 22 years old. This made him the youngest council member in Stockton's history. His journey to becoming a council member was even featured in a documentary called True Son. This film was shown at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival.

Becoming Mayor of Stockton

On September 2, 2015, Tubbs announced he would run for mayor of Stockton. He was running against the current mayor, Anthony Silva. On November 2, 2016, just before the election, President Barack Obama supported his campaign. Michael Tubbs won the election with 70.6% of the votes. He became the city's first African-American mayor and, at 26, the youngest person to hold that job. His term as mayor began on January 1, 2017.

Mayor of Stockton's Projects

As mayor, Tubbs supported the idea of a universal basic income (UBI). This is a program where people receive a regular payment without any conditions. Stockton started a pilot project called the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED). In this project, 125 chosen residents received $500 each month for 18 months, starting in February 2019. This project was funded by private groups and donors, not by the city's taxes. Tubbs also helped create a group called Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, which includes many mayors who support UBI.

During his time as mayor, Tubbs also started other important programs. These included efforts to reduce gun violence, help people experiencing homelessness, and provide mentorship for students who needed extra support.

In December 2019, Tubbs supported Michael Bloomberg's campaign for president.

Losing Re-election

Tubbs ran for re-election as mayor in 2020. He came in first place in the initial voting round with 41.5% of the votes. However, in the final election on November 3, 2020, he lost to Republican Kevin Lincoln. Lincoln received 57% of the votes, while Tubbs received 43%. During the campaign, some social media stories were shared that were critical of Tubbs. He also faced opposition from police and firefighters' unions.

During his re-election campaign, Tubbs was featured in an HBO documentary called Stockton on My Mind.

After Being Mayor

After his term as mayor ended, California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Michael Tubbs as a special adviser. In this role, he focuses on economic mobility and opportunity. In June 2021, Tubbs became an emeritus member of a group called Mayors Organized for Reparations and Equity.

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 announced that he plans to run for Lieutenant Governor of California in 2026.

Michael Tubbs' Personal Life

Michael Tubbs and his wife Anna at a League of Women Voters event

In December 2017, Michael Tubbs married Anna Malaika Nti-Asare. They met while they were both students at Stanford University. Anna also studied at King's College, Cambridge. She taught at a school in Stockton for two years. She is now a Gates Cambridge Scholar and is working on her doctoral degree in education.

On October 19, 2019, Michael and Anna welcomed their first child, a son. Their second child, a daughter, was born on August 30, 2021.

In 2022, Tubbs published a book about his life called The Deeper the Roots: A Memoir of Hope and Home. He also provides commentary in a documentary called It's Basic, which was shown at the 2023 Tribeca Festival.

See also

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