Mariela Ponce led opponent Waqar Rizvi Wednesday in the District 2 race for Stockton City Council.
These two political newcomers have run very different campaigns. Rizvi has attended forums and engaged in a generally traditional campaigning style, while Ponce has largely remained absent from the public sphere.
Rizvi, a county technology manager and commissioner for the Stockton Planning Commission, is running against health worker Ponce. The two seek to replace Dan Wright, who is terming out after serving two terms in the district, which is located in north Stockton.
Prior to the primary election, Ponce was one of two candidates previously disqualified from entering the race. However, a San Joaquin County Superior judge last year reinstated her on the ballot.
Despite being allowed on the ballot, Ponce’s appearance at forums during election season has been nonexistent. Still, she managed to lead primary voting with 38% in a four-person race, with Rizvi coming in second with 24%.
Many questions remain unanswered about Ponce’s campaign, including who is running it and how it has been financed.
In the runup to the general election, some candidate signs around the city have showcased her run for City Council, but Ponce was absent in the primary forums, did not show up for the League of Women Voters forum in September and did not confirm her attendance at the Stockton NAACP forum.
Rizvi, on the other hand, has been campaigning and discussing his plans.
During the League of Women Voters forum before the primary election, he told community members he thought public safety, homelessness and affordable housing were among the ongoing issues facing the city.