Stockton firefighter Mario Santiago Gardea held a substantial lead Wednesday over Lilliana Udang, a state Senate aide, in the race for San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors District 1.
They are seeking to replace Supervisor Miguel Villapudua, who ran up against term limits.
Gardea, who led in the primary election as well, focused on public safety, youth issues and homelessness in running for the seat that includes much of Stockton.
Vowing to avoid being one of the “cookie-cutter politicians,” Gardea said in an interview, “I’ve been a blue-collar worker in construction and I started my career here. I know the challenges of District 1 after living and working here.”
Gardea says the county should do a better job of talking about their legislative achievements and work to help those in need in the community.
“I think the county could do a better job on telling people what the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors can do for our community,” Gardea said. “I wish our news outlets can focus on what we do good and not so much on the negatives.”
Udang, who works as district director for state Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, has listed homelessness, the economy, environment and government accountability as her top issues to tackle if elected supervisor.
She said she hopes to make the board more accountable to the needs of the district.
“Our board should reflect the priorities of District 1,” Udang said in a interview with Stocktonia. “For a very long time it hasn’t.”