Crockett will join Vice Mayor Jason Lee and Tamica Small for an October 22 People’s Forum focused on public safety, youth opportunities, and building a stronger Stockton.
As the country prepares for the November 3 midterm elections, a Stockton, California, City Council race is bringing together national political attention, family history, and a conversation about the future of local government.
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett has endorsed Tamica Small, a retired probation officer with 22 years of experience who is challenging incumbent Councilmember Michele Padilla for Stockton’s District 1 seat.
If elected, Small would serve alongside her brother, Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee, who represents District 6, including South Stockton and Weston Ranch.
But the siblings’ shared commitment to public service began long before their involvement in politics.
From Working in Probation to Potentially Serving Together at City Hall
Years ago, both Small and Lee worked together at the Stanislaus County Probation Department, where they witnessed the challenges facing young people involved in the criminal justice system.
Their experience helped shape a shared philosophy: reducing crime requires accountability, effective law enforcement, early intervention, and meaningful opportunities for young people.
In a proposed statement for the article, Small reflected on her campaign and the possibility of serving alongside her brother:
“I’m honored to have the support of Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, but what excites me most is the opportunity to serve the community that raised me. After 22 years working in probation, I’ve seen firsthand how violence impacts families and how investing in young people can change the direction of their lives.”
“The possibility of serving alongside my brother Jason makes this journey even more meaningful. We worked together years ago helping young people find better paths, and now we have an opportunity to bring that same commitment to our hometown. But this is bigger than our family. It’s about every family in Stockton.”
Lee shared a similar sentiment in a proposed statement.
“Before either of us entered politics, Tamica and I were working together in probation, helping young people find better pathways in life. The possibility of serving our hometown together is deeply personal, but what’s even more important is our shared commitment to helping Stockton families build a better future.”
A Public Safety Plan With Specific Deadlines
Small’s campaign centers on restoring a police substation in District 1.
If elected, she plans to immediately request an implementation strategy from the City Manager and Stockton Police Department.
Within 30 days, she intends to identify potential locations, staffing needs, costs, and funding opportunities. Within 60 days, she wants to bring a formal proposal before the City Council.
Her broader priorities include expanded neighborhood policing, business watch programs, improved police visibility, and quarterly public safety reports.
Small also plans to meet with county probation leadership to develop youth violence prevention programs connecting young people with mentorship, counseling, educational support, conflict resolution, and employment training.
“We cannot arrest our way out of every public safety challenge,” Small stated in her campaign responses. “We must hold people accountable while creating alternative pathways that give young people a real opportunity to succeed.”
Bringing Resources to North Stockton
Small’s platform also includes addressing homelessness, neighborhood blight, infrastructure, economic development, and government transparency.
She has committed to reviewing city finances, examining audit findings, pursuing public accountability tracking, and holding quarterly community meetings.
Lee has advanced similar priorities in District 6, including police substations, neighborhood investment, and the I AM READY Youth Center, supported by a $13 million state grant.
In another proposed statement, Lee emphasized the importance of citywide collaboration.
“My commitment is to bring resources to North Stockton just as I’ve fought to bring them to South Stockton. I want to work with Tamica, if elected, and every member of the City Council willing to put people before politics. We may represent different districts, but our responsibility is to the entire city.”
Jasmine Crockett Coming to Stockton October 22
On Thursday, October 22, at 5:30 p.m., Crockett is scheduled to join Lee and Small for The People’s Forum, a community fireside chat centered on people, progress, and a stronger Stockton.
The event will be held at Huddle, 110 N. San Joaquin Street, Second Floor, Stockton, CA 95202.
The gathering comes just 12 days before the general election, connecting national political conversations with local concerns about public safety, economic opportunity, and the future of Stockton’s neighborhoods.
An Election That Could Shape Generations
Across the country, voters are considering questions about congressional leadership, education, economic security, immigration, public safety, and government accountability.
In California, voters will also select a new governor and other statewide officials.
Yet decisions made by city councils can have some of the most immediate consequences for families, influencing police services, infrastructure, housing, youth programs, and neighborhood investment.
For Stockton, the November election will determine who represents District 1 and how the next City Council approaches these challenges.
Small’s campaign offers a detailed agenda centered on public safety, early intervention, fiscal oversight, and community partnerships.
And while the possibility of two siblings serving together introduces an unusual political dynamic, both have emphasized their longstanding connection to youth development and public service.
Ultimately, the decisions Stockton voters make this November could influence the opportunities, safety, and quality of life available to future generations.