California’s 2026 Primary Election is here, which could mean big changes for Stockton City Council.
Stocktonia spoke with candidates running to represent three of the city’s seven council districts that are on the ballot this year about why they deserved to represent their respective districts over the competition.
Here’s what the District 3 candidates had to say.
Michael Blower
Incumbent Michael Blower, who has served on Stockton City Council since 2023, describes himself as a “lifelong Stocktonian” with “deep roots” in the community. He is a realtor and previously served as president of the Rotary Club of Stockton and member of the Stockton Police Chaplaincy Board.
In addition to his council duties, he currently serves as a board member of the California Association of Realtors and the Nance Strong Foundation, according to his council page.
Blower told Stocktonia that he’s running for a second term because he cares deeply about Stockton and those who call the city home.
“Throughout my time in public service, I have worked to improve public safety, strengthen our infrastructure, support local economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents,” Blower said in a statement via email. “I believe there is still important work to do, and I want to continue bringing experienced leadership, practical solutions, and common sense to the Council as we address the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
“After decades of serving our community, I remain committed to making Stockton a safe, strong, and welcoming place for families, businesses, and future generations.”
As for why Stocktonian should vote for him a second time to represent District 3, Blower believes voters are looking for effective leadership, and he has both the experience and track record to continue moving Stockton forward.
As the most experienced member of the City Council, I have the knowledge, relationships, and proven record to address complex challenges and deliver for residents,” Blower said. “Whether it’s securing funding for a new fire truck company, improving our roads, or investing in our parks, I have demonstrated the ability to turn ideas into action.”
“I have proudly served this community for decades and have always believed that Stockton’s success depends on people working together to solve problems and get results.”
Stefanie Alfaro
Stefanie Alfaro said she moved to Stockton from San Francisco when she was younger and became involved in advocacy through work supporting her special needs son and other children in the community.
Alfaro said she serves on the city’s Measure W Citizens’ Oversight Committee, where she represents District 5, and participates in Lincoln Unified School District’s Local Control and Accountability Plan process.
“I just got tired of the things that were going on,” Alfaro said during a candidate forum. “As much as I advocate for my son and for the kids, I wanted to do that for Stockton.”
Alfaro said her campaign is focused on homelessness, mental health services, addiction, infrastructure and what she described as the need for “a new beginning” at Stockton City Hall.
She said the city must better address affordability, mental health and drug addiction, while also evaluating whether investments in libraries, water systems and other infrastructure are meeting residents’ needs.
During the forum, Alfaro criticized what she described as a lack of responsiveness from city leaders.
“I’m here to bring a new face,” Alfaro said. “A new beginning.”
Joey Veltri
Joey Veltri is also running to represent Stockton City Council District 3.
Veltri recently drew criticism after his campaign sent a text message to voters criticizing Blower’s 2025 vote to approve a resolution allowing the Pride flag to fly over Stockton City Hall annually during the first week of June.
The message said Blower joined openly gay Councilmembers Jason Lee and Mario Enríquez “to push an agenda that has no positive effect on making Stockton a Cleaner or Safer City.”
Lee and Enríquez criticized the message, with Lee calling it a “hateful and homophobic attack” and saying it did not reflect Stockton’s values. The San Joaquin Pride Center also criticized the campaign messaging.
Attempts to contact Veltri were unsuccessful. Veltri did not file a candidate statement and Stocktonia was unable to locate an active campaign website for him.
Jessica Toccoli
Jessica Toccoli, a special needs teacher and fifth-generation Stocktonian, is running to represent Stockton City Council District 3.
Toccoli said Stocktonians should vote for her because she was born and raised in the city and believes District 3 needs representation that is present, accessible and connected to residents.
“I love this city and believe District 3 deserves representation that is present, accessible, and connected to the people it serves,” Toccoli said in an email. “Too many residents feel unheard, and I want to be a voice for working families, neighborhoods, and the people who call Stockton home.”
Toccoli said she offers a different perspective from the incumbent because she is an educator, not a politician.
“I’m an educator who works directly with families every day and understands the challenges many residents face,” Toccoli said. “Stockton residents are tired of feeling like decisions are made by and for people with money and influence.”
She said City Hall should answer to residents, not special interests, and that her focus would be on listening, showing up and putting residents first.
Toccoli’s campaign has also drawn scrutiny. Her campaign materials have also been criticized in connection with messaging about Blower’s 2025 vote to fly the Pride flag over Stockton City Hall.