Tiffany Haddish, one of Hollywood’s more versatile stars, is showing up in a place where few might expect to find her: Stockton politics.
Haddish, the popular actress, author and comedian, has emerged as one of the top individual donors in any of the races for Stockton City Council, according to the latest campaign contribution filings.
She gave $5,900 on April 28 in support of Tamica Small, one of four people challenging Councilmember Michele Padilla in the June 2 primary. Three other candidates vying for the District 1 seat are Annette Sanchez, Lan Nguyen and Shelly Hollis.
District 3 Councilmember Michael Blower and District 5 Councilmember Brando Villapudua also face numerous challengers in the primary. The top two vote-getters in each race in the primary election will move on to the general election in November.
Small says on her campaign website that she is a Stockton native and former county probation officer.
Her campaign did not respond to requests for comment. A contribution form lists Haddish — a well-rounded entertainer best known for her breakout role in the 2017 film “Girls Trip” — as “retired.” Attempts to reach Haddish were unsuccessful.
While Haddish’s role in the Stockton race is unclear, the actress may have been introduced to Small through another supporter: Vice Mayor Jason Lee.
Lee, who donated $5,000 to Small’s campaign in March, has a deep, ongoing friendship with Haddish. They have bonded over a number of things, including having both been raised as foster children.
Lee had Haddish as a guest on the podcast he hosts through his Hollywood Unlocked website in April. They touched on many issues, including her affection for Stockton.
Though Haddish said she lives in South Central Los Angeles — she’s listed as being based in Burbank, an L.A. suburb, on Small’s contribution form — Haddish quipped about wanting to buy a house next to Lee’s in Stockton. She also talked about visiting Stockton schools, where she read a children’s book she authored, “Layla, the Last Black Unicorn.”
Though she hails from Los Angeles, Haddish was treated like an honorary Stocktonian in the interview by Lee.
“You are a South Stockton kid. People in South Stockton love you,” Lee told her at one point. She responded, “And I love them. It feels like I’m in South Central when I’m up there. And I love it. It feels like family.”
Lee did not respond to a request for comment, but in a Facebook post Tuesday, he endorsed Small in the District 1 race.
“Tamica Small understands the real struggles families face and the importance of restoring trust, accountability, and leadership that listens to the people,” Lee said in the post.
Lee also endorsed Desiree Lynch — who, along with Mary Elizabeth, Ruben Harper and Max Beas, is running against Villapudua in District 5.
“Desiree Lynch brings professionalism, collaboration, fresh energy, and a commitment to moving Stockton forward instead of keeping it trapped in cycles of dysfunction,” Lee said.