U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas visited downtown Stockton Thursday evening to encourage participation in local elections and support City Council candidate Tamica Small, who is challenging District 1 incumbent Michele Padilla in the Nov. 3 election.
Crockett joined Small and Stockton Councilmember Jason Lee at Huddle Cowork on North San Joaquin Street for a forum focused on public safety, homelessness, government accountability and the importance of local elections.
The event called The People’s Forum, came less than two weeks before voters decide three Stockton City Council races. Although promoted as a community conversation, the gathering also included appeals for residents to volunteer and campaign for Small.
Crockett, a Democrat who represents Texas’ 30th Congressional District, said local elections often receive less attention than national contests, despite the direct impact city officials have on residents’ daily lives.
“The lower you are on the ballot, the closer you are to the pain,” Crockett said.
She pointed to policing, fire services, government contracts and spending priorities as examples of decisions made at the local level.
Crockett encouraged attendees to discuss local candidates with neighbors, relatives and friends, saying greater participation could help residents hold elected officials accountable.
The congresswoman, who endorsed Small earlier this year, campaigned Monday in Houston alongside Harris County judge candidate Letitia Plummer. During Thursday’s forum, Crockett also discussed Mississippi U.S. Senate candidate Scott Colom, whom her political action committee has endorsed. She said she had arrived from Portland and was headed to Las Vegas next.
Small outlines priorities for District 1
Small, a retired San Joaquin County probation officer who now works as a substitute teacher, discussed her experience in law enforcement and outlined several priorities she would pursue if elected.
Among them is establishing a police substation in District 1, which she said could improve emergency response times and strengthen relationships between residents and law enforcement.
On homelessness, Small called for a combination of enforcement, partnerships with nonprofit organizations and greater access to housing and support services.
She suggested identifying whether people experiencing homelessness have relatives or other support systems in different communities who could help them relocate. She also expressed support for enforcing restrictions on camping in parks and other public spaces.
Small criticized the city’s approach to homelessness and said she would like to serve on the City Council’s homelessness ad hoc committee if elected.
Government accountability and relationships among councilmembers were also central to her remarks.
“I think first we need to restore civility in City Hall and transparency,” Small said.
Small also addressed criticism surrounding her relationship with Lee, her brother and one of her most prominent political supporters.
She rejected suggestions that she would automatically support his positions on the council, saying they share certain values but would not necessarily agree on every decision.
Small said she would make her own decisions if elected and emphasized her willingness to work with councilmembers who hold different views.
Padilla and Small face November runoff
Small faces Padilla in the Nov. 3 runoff after both candidates advanced from the June primary.
According to final primary results, Padilla received 49.11% of the vote, narrowly missing the majority needed to win outright. Small finished second with 27.60%.
Padilla, who was elected in 2022, has identified public safety, homelessness and neighborhood services among her priorities for a second term.
In a previous interview with Stocktonia, Padilla said she supports expanding community policing and wants a dedicated police officer assigned to District 1. She has also proposed establishing a citywide safe camping site and expanding services for people experiencing homelessness.
Padilla acknowledged tensions among councilmembers but said they need to work together despite disagreements.
Lee discusses City Hall disputes
Lee, who hosted Thursday’s forum, also addressed ongoing disagreements at Stockton City Hall and his removal as vice mayor earlier this month.
The City Council voted 4-2 on Oct. 13 to remove Lee as vice mayor after rejecting a proposal to accept his resignation from the position.
Lee remains the elected councilmember for District 6.
During the forum, Lee defended his record on government oversight and criticized decisions made by his colleagues. He attributed some of the disagreements at City Hall to his efforts to question city spending and administrative practices.
Lee also reflected on his upbringing in Stockton, his experience in foster care and his decision to enter local politics.
He argued that changes to the council’s membership are necessary to address the city’s challenges and encouraged attendees to support Small’s campaign ahead of the election.
Crockett calls for greater accountability
Beyond the District 1 contest, Crockett discussed broader political issues, including housing affordability, the cost of living and access to economic opportunities.
She argued that national political debates can distract from everyday concerns involving housing, employment and public services.
Crockett also referenced congressional redistricting disputes involving Texas and California, thanking California voters for their response to changes in congressional representation. She emphasized the importance of remaining engaged in local government beyond election season and maintaining communication between residents and their representatives.
Crockett encouraged voters to evaluate incumbents based on their accomplishments rather than name recognition, saying elected officials should be able to demonstrate what they have done for their communities.
“You need to be able to come with receipts for what it is that they have done, and if you cannot, then they ain’t doing their job,” Crockett said.