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 5 candidates had to say.
Brando Villapudua
Incumbent Brando Villapudua is seeking reelection to represent Stockton City Council District 5.
Villapudua said voters should support him because of his experience, relationships and record of showing up for the district. He said his priorities include public safety, support for local businesses, blight and illegal dumping, infrastructure improvements and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
“As the representative for District 5, my focus has always been on ensuring that our neighborhoods are not overlooked and that promises made to residents are promises kept,” Villapudua said in an email to Stocktonia.
Villapudua said District 5 needs a representative willing to ask difficult questions, hold government accountable and push for results. He said ongoing projects and investments require steady leadership and continued advocacy.
“What motivates me is not simply winning another election,” Villapudua said. “What motivates me is continuing the work.”
Desiree Lynch
Desiree Lynch, a nurse who has worked in Stockton, said she is running for City Council District 5 because the district needs immediate change on homelessness, crime and accountability.
“No district in Stockton has been more impacted by homelessness, crime, and neglect than District 5,” Lynch said in an email to Stocktonia.
Lynch said her work as a nurse has shown her how those issues affect families and the broader community, and that the district needs “real solutions, accountability, and leadership that shows up and gets to work.”
She said change is needed because she believes incumbent Councilmember Brando Villapudua has failed District 5 “not just in performance, but in conduct.”
“Under his leadership, homelessness has grown, crime remains a serious concern, and instead of delivering results, he voted to raise his own pay,” Lynch said.
Lynch also pointed to calls from Villapudua’s colleagues for his resignation, citing what she described as “repeated ethical lapses and poor judgment.”
“I will lead with dignity, respect, and accountability,” Lynch said. “This position is too important for distractions and dysfunction.”
Mary Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth, who lists her occupation as a scientist, holds a master’s degree and is a registered environmental health specialist, according to her candidate statement.
Elizabeth said she was born in Stockton and has worked in several fields, including as a water resources scientist, regulatory agent, science teacher, chemist, bank teller and restaurant server.
“My work experiences taught service values, being true and trustworthy and treating people kindly with respect,” Elizabeth wrote.
Elizabeth said she became involved in politics to improve access to public information, address environmental impacts and advocate for accountability. She said her past work has included efforts to reduce the overconcentration of tobacco and alcohol licenses near schools.
Elizabeth said she has been active in the community since moving back to Stockton in 2014, including through the Sierra Club Delta-Sierra Group, where she serves as conservation chair.
“I want to represent my District to lead the way with more open outreach discussions, transparent money handling with contract accountability, to improve the wellbeing of our residents,” Elizabeth wrote.
She said she is not fundraising or advertising, pointing instead to her record of advocacy.
Maximiliano “Max” Beas
Maximiliano “Max” Beas, a Stockton native and small business owner, is seeking the District 5 seat on the Stockton City Council.
Stocktonia reached out to Beas for comment, but did not receive a response. In his candidate statement, he said he was born and raised in Stockton and attended schools in District 5, including Washington and Fillmore elementary schools, Fillmore Middle School and Franklin High School.
“District 5 isn’t just where I live — it’s home,” Beas wrote.
Beas said his family owns and operates a used car dealership in District 5, which his father started in 1991. He said his experience as a small business owner and father of three children raised in Stockton has shaped his understanding of the challenges local families face.
Beas said he is running because District 5 needs leadership that listens, shows up and delivers results. He listed public safety, affordable housing, economic opportunity and youth pathways among his priorities.
“I believe in transparent government, responsible budgeting, and putting residents first,” Beas wrote.
Ruben Harper
Ruben Harper, an educator, coach and mentor, is seeking the District 5 seat on the Stockton City Council.
Harper did not respond to Stocktonia’s request for comment by publication time. In a Facebook post, Harper said he has spent his career working with the community and believes District 5 needs safer streets, real solutions to homelessness and a more responsive City Hall.
“I’ve spent my career as an educator, coach, and mentor because I believe in this community,” Harper wrote.
Harper said residents need leaders who show up and connect them to available resources.
“This campaign is for every student, every family, every neighbor in District 5,” Harper wrote. “Let’s build something together.”