After all the mailers, text messages, door knocks and campaign signs, Election Night has come to San Joaquin County with no shortage of key races to watch.
First results from the primary aren’t expected until 8 p.m., when 130 polling stations across the county close. But initial tallies are sure to be insightful since the county Registrar of Voters office had received 60,000 mail-in ballots ahead of the weekend.
The most closely watched races will likely be for Stockton City Council. Three seats are up for grabs, all with incumbents seeking a new term. All hope they can garner more than 50% of the votes in order to stave off a runoff contests during the general election in November. The races include:
- District 1: This contest will test whether a big contribution from a celebrity can make a difference. Among the four candidates that incumbent Councilmember Michele Padilla is facing is Tamica Small, who received one of the largest individual campaign donations in any race — from actress Tiffany Haddish. Others competing include Lan Nguyen, Annette Sanchez and Shelly Hollis.
- District 3: This race is being closely watched to see whether Councilmember Michael Blower can hold off a well-financed “mystery” candidate. Jessica Toccoli has run an active campaign without any personal appearances or media interviews. Joey Veltri and Stephanie Alfaro are also vying the seat.
- District 5: Councilmember Brando Villapudua wants to best four challengers: Ruben Harper, Mary Elizabeth, Desiree Lynch and Max Beas. All are hoping to win the slot that will likely set up a two-person race in November.
For the county Board of Supervisors, the two incumbents each face a single opponent. Supervisor Paul Canepa in District 2 is being opposed by Lauren Cardinalli. And Supervisor Steven Ding is competing against Travis Castle.
For the 13th Congressional District, former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, a Republican, is challenging U.S. Rep. Adam Gray, a Democrat, along with two others. And in Congressional District 9, U.S. Rep. Josh Harder, a Democrat, is facing three vying for his seat.
Though some candidates appear to be in a strong position, their success could be undercut by voter turnout. A low turnout could lead to upsets.
County Registrar of Voter Olivia Hale predicts countywide turnout will be higher than the 27% who cast ballots in California’s 2022 primary but lower than the 46% who voted in the statewide special election last November that recast California’s congressional districts to favor Democrats. That election was called in reaction to a similar move in Texas that favors Republicans.
Outside of Stockton, most attention will be paid to the governor’s race. And there is local interest in the contest for lieutenant governor: Former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs is making his bid for California’s No. 2 in a crowded field.