Good morning, Stockton.
Election Day may be behind us, but one Stockton City Council race is raising questions about what happens next.
Desiree Lynch, who withdrew from the District 5 race and is facing six felony election fraud charges, could still win the seat. Her attorney says she will not accept the position or serve if elected, leaving questions about how the city would fill the vacancy and what legal proceedings could mean for the outcome. Hannah Workman takes a closer look at the situation and what could happen if Lynch finishes with the most votes.
Elsewhere in Stockton, incumbents Michael Blower and Michele Padilla are holding strong leads in their City Council races, while Stockton Unified could see significant changes to its school board. On the congressional side, Rep. Adam Gray has defeated former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln in District 13, while Rep. Josh Harder has secured another term in District 9.
We’re also looking ahead to opportunities to get involved around Stockton. Our lineup of volunteer opportunities has several ways to give back this week.
Thanks for starting your Thursday with us. There’s plenty more election coverage and local news waiting for you below.
Daniel Garza
Stocktonia content coordinator
Today’s top story
Stockton council candidate facing election fraud charges says she won’t serve. What happens if she wins?
By Hannah Workman • Stocktonia
If Desiree Lynch receives the most votes in Stockton City Council’s District 5 race, despite withdrawing from the campaign and facing six felony charges, her attorney says she will not accept or serve in the position. Questions remain about how the city would handle the seat and whether any legal proceedings would affect the outcome.
Stories you may have missed
Blower leads Stockton District 3 race, pledges continued focus on neighborhood improvements
The incumbent appeared headed toward another term after widening his advantage over Jessica Toccoli, as he pledged to continue district projects and help ease political tensions at City Hall.
Padilla holds commanding lead in Stockton District 1 race, looks toward second term
The incumbent appeared headed toward reelection against Tamica Small after a contentious campaign that drew national attention and raised questions about homelessness, public safety and City Hall leadership.
U.S. Rep. Adam Gray defeats former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln in California’s 13th Congressional District
Unlike in 2024, when Gray narrowly defeated his opponent, the incumbent congressman handily won reelection in California District 13.
Stockton Unified school board on edge of major shakeups
Only two of the four incumbents were holding onto slim leads after the latest vote count was reported by the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters Office.
Rep. Josh Harder secures another term in Congress as McBride stops short of conceding
Harder beat GOP challenger John McBride in a race shaped by rising living costs, competing priorities and a newly redrawn congressional map.
California picks Xavier Becerra to replace Gavin Newsom as governor
Democrat Xavier Becerra easily won for race for governor in the most populous Democratic state in the country.
🫱🏻🫲🏾 Volunteering this week
Volunteer listings were compiled with AI assistance and verified by our editors.
- Fresh produce distribution at The Center | Help bag and distribute fruits and vegetables during the organization’s first-Friday program. Contact The Center at (209) 942-0228 to arrange participation. | Nov. 6, 8:45-11:30 a.m. | The Center, 1508 S. Sutter St. | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- City of Stockton TCC tree planting event | Help plant trees at Williams Brotherhood Park. Training is provided, and each participant must complete a volunteer release form before the event. | Nov. 7, starting at 8:30 a.m. until all trees are planted. | Williams Brotherhood Park, 2040 S. Airport Way | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- SSC November service day 2026: Gianone Park | Join Stockton Service Corps for tree planting, park cleanup, leaf raking, hygiene kit assembly and other service projects. Lunch, refreshments and training are provided. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a reusable water bottle. Ages 12 and older; register by Nov. 6 or before spaces fill. | Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. | Gianone Park, 2885 E. Harding Way | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- Food pantry volunteering at Valley Ministries MCC | Sort food into bags and help prepare supplies for community distribution. Other tasks include packing hygiene bags and preparing grocery pickup bags. This recurring Wednesday program usually finishes around noon; call (209) 810-9500 to check the Veterans Day schedule. | Nov. 11, 10 a.m.-noon, subject to holiday confirmation. | Valley Ministries MCC, 4118 Coronado Ave. | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- Emergency Food Bank volunteering | Help sort, pack and distribute donated food. Individual volunteers commit at least one hour; groups commit at least three hours. Call 209-464-7369 to schedule a shift and confirm holiday availability. | Weekday opportunities during Nov. 5–11, by arrangement. Student shifts generally fall between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.; volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian waiver. | Emergency Food Bank, 7 W. Scotts Ave. | More info
Are we missing an opportunity or listing? Reply to this email and let us know.