Backed by Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, SEIU and her brother, Councilmember Jason Lee, the retired probation officer is campaigning to bring public safety, accountability and civility to Stockton City Hall.
STOCKTON, CA — With the November 3 election just days away, Tamica Small’s campaign for Stockton City Council District 1 has brought together national political figures, organized labor and local leaders around a message of safer neighborhoods, stronger government accountability and renewed cooperation at City Hall.
Small, a lifelong Stockton resident, retired San Joaquin County probation officer and substitute teacher, is challenging incumbent Councilmember Michele Padilla in a race that will help determine the direction of Stockton’s city government.
Her campaign has attracted attention well beyond the city, including an endorsement from Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, the backing of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021 and the highly visible support of her brother, Stockton District 6 Councilmember Jason Lee.
A Lifetime of Public Service
Small brings more than 22 years of experience in the probation system, where she worked with individuals navigating the criminal justice system while gaining firsthand experience with public safety, rehabilitation and community supervision.
A mother of three and lifelong Stockton resident, Small has emphasized the connection between neighborhood safety, youth opportunity and community investment.
Her public safety platform includes establishing a police substation in District 1, improving neighborhood policing, strengthening relationships between residents and law enforcement, and addressing police staffing and retention.
She has also proposed a more coordinated response to homelessness and expanded opportunities for young people.
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett Brings National Attention to Stockton
One of Small’s most prominent supporters is Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who endorsed her candidacy earlier this year and traveled to Stockton on October 22 to participate in The People’s Forum alongside Small and Lee.
Former Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (white jacket) campaigned for Stockton council candidate Tamica Small (front row, second from right) in Stockton on Oct. 27. Russell Stiger Jr., OBSERVER
The event drew more than 120 community members for a discussion focused on public safety, homelessness, youth opportunities, government accountability and the role residents play in shaping their local government.
Crockett’s participation placed a national spotlight on the District 1 contest and underscored the importance of local elections, where decisions about policing, public resources and neighborhood investment directly affect residents.
Organized Labor Backs Small
Small has also earned the endorsement of SEIU Local 1021, the labor union representing public-service workers across Northern California.
The union publicly included Small among its endorsed candidates for the November 3 election.
The endorsement adds an organized labor voice to a campaign centered on public service, government operations and the delivery of essential city services.
Small has also received support from the San Joaquin County Democratic Party, adding to the coalition of organizations and public figures publicly backing her candidacy.
A Brother and Sister With a Shared History of Service
Perhaps one of the most personal aspects of Small’s campaign is her relationship with her younger brother, Stockton Councilmember Jason Lee.
Long before either entered electoral politics, both worked in probation and shared an interest in supporting young people and families facing difficult circumstances.
Lee, who represents District 6, including South Stockton and Weston Ranch, has emerged as one of Small’s most prominent advocates.
As a member of the City Council, Lee has pushed for police substations, youth investments, financial oversight and greater transparency in municipal government.
He has also been at the center of highly publicized disagreements among councilmembers over City Hall operations, investigations and government accountability.
The possibility of the siblings serving together has become a notable feature of the District 1 race.
But Small has made clear that her relationship with her brother does not mean they would agree on every council decision.
During The People’s Forum, she emphasized that she would exercise independent judgment, work with colleagues who hold different perspectives and prioritize the residents she would be elected to represent.
Civility and Accountability at City Hall
Small has placed particular emphasis on restoring civility and transparency within Stockton’s government.
At the October forum, she discussed the importance of elected officials working together even when they disagree.
Her message comes during a period of substantial tension among Stockton’s elected leadership, including disputes over government oversight, financial management and council assignments.
Small has connected her call for greater cooperation to practical goals, including improving city services, strengthening public safety and rebuilding confidence in government.
Her opponent, incumbent Michele Padilla, is seeking a second term and has also identified public safety, homelessness and neighborhood services as important priorities.
The Final Days Before Election Day
The District 1 race is one of several Stockton City Council contests on the November ballot.
In the June primary, Padilla received 49.11% of the vote, while Small received 27.60%, sending both candidates to the November runoff.
Since advancing from the primary, Small has continued presenting her agenda at community events, discussing neighborhood priorities and highlighting support from local and national figures.
For Small, the election represents the opportunity to bring more than two decades of public-service experience into elected office.
It would also create the possibility of two siblings, raised in Stockton and shaped by careers in public service, working together as elected representatives of different parts of their hometown.
With public safety, housing, economic opportunity and government accountability among the central issues facing Stockton, District 1 voters will make their decision on Tuesday, November 3.
The outcome will determine who represents North Stockton on the City Council for the next four years.