Stockton City Council District 1 · Nov 3, 2026

Michele Padilla

Candidate for City Council District 1 (incumbent)

6 candidates · 3 seats10 sourced positions

Michele Padilla, the incumbent, is running for Stockton City Council District 1 in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Tamica Small.

Mail ballots sent by this date; early voting opens at the Registrar of Voters' office · Mon, Oct 5, 2026

Today

Teacher with Stockton Unified School District; has represented District 1 on the City Council since January 2023.

Occupation (from candidate statement): Stockton Councilmember/Educator
Endorsed by: Her ballot statement lists Stockton Professional Firefighters Local 456. San Joaquin County Voter Information Guide, Nov. 3, 2026 General Election (sample ballots and candidate statements)

Where Michele Padilla stands: positions on the record

Homelessness2 sourced positions

Says District 1's largest homeless encampment was cleared in her first term and that she launched a citywide Safe Grounds Initiative to keep streets clean and connect unsheltered people to services.
“I also launched the Citywide Safe Grounds Initiative to keep our streets clean and connect the unsheltered to services.”
Own statementSan Joaquin County Voter Information Guide, Nov. 3, 2026 General Election (sample ballots and candidate statements)
As chair of the council's homelessness committee, proposed a three-part plan: shelters, safe camping and safe parking sites, and voluntary relocation assistance.
Own statementStocktonia · Oct 10, 2025

Public safety1 sourced position

Says she is pushing for dedicated police units for neighborhoods.
“I am pushing for dedicated police units to protect our neighborhoods.”
Own statementSan Joaquin County Voter Information Guide, Nov. 3, 2026 General Election (sample ballots and candidate statements)

Council pay1 sourced position

Voted yes on raising council members' salaries from $30,833 to $40,000 a year starting in 2027 (passed 4-3, April 2026).
Council voteStocktonia · May 4, 2026

Affordable housing loans1 sourced position

Voted yes on awarding affordable-housing loans that included two projects city staff had not recommended (passed 4-3, April 2026).
Council voteStocktonia · Apr 15, 2026

Ethics reforms1 sourced position

as reported by Stocktonia; not a direct quote
Asked how a proposed ethics commission would overlap with the council's existing censure process and said the full council should discuss it.
Own statementStocktonia · Sep 25, 2026

City manager1 sourced position

Voted yes on appointing Steve Colangelo as interim city manager (passed 4-3, February 2025).
Council voteStocktonia · Feb 5, 2025

Council investigations1 sourced position

Voted yes on forming a council committee to investigate Vice Mayor Jason Lee (passed 4-3, November 2025).
Council voteStocktonia · Nov 13, 2025

Censure1 sourced position

Censured by the City Council (5-0, November 2024).
Council voteThe Stockton Record · Nov 22, 2024

Past candidacy1 sourced position

Ran for Stockton City Council District 1 in 2022 (won).
Own statementSan Joaquin County Registrar of Voters · Dec 6, 2022

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