Michael Tubbs

“I'm tired of talking about where we've been. I'm more interested in talking about where we're going.”

“Work does have some value and some dignity, but I don't think working 14 hours and not being able to pay your bills, or working two jobs and not being able - there's nothing inherently dignified about that.”

“There had to be something more important than me being comfortable, me being OK, and me being that one person that made it from Stockton. That's why I decided to run for city council in 2012.”

“As the documentary 'True Son' illustrates, my campaign for city council started really small - with eight mostly political neophytes in my living room and with young people knocking on doors.”

“President Obama is an inspiration of mine, and interning with his administration in the White House opened my eyes to the possibilities of making change at the local level.”

“The power to remove an individual from office is reserved for the greatest betrayals of public trust, not just because you disagree with someone.”

“I harbor no illusion that government and elected office is a panacea for all of society's ills.”

“I plan on getting my Ph.D. from the city of Stockton.”

“I do think that people deserve a basic economic floor so the bottom doesn't fall out under them.”

“I knew at an early age that I wanted to make an impact.”

“In college, I was so blessed to have relationships with those who did the civil rights movement.”

“I'm someone very interested in diversity, equity, social justice, and getting rid of white supremacy.”

“My mom was on welfare for the first five, six years of my life.”

“We all aren't in government, we all aren't CEOs, but we all are somebody.”

“I decided that I would defy expectations, be it those put on me by society, race, socioeconomic status, or my father.”

“Growing up, when I'd throw out the trash, I'd toss it and dart because all the cats would come running. That's why I still don't like cats.”

“I fully support accountability and transparency.”

“I know, for me, I want to live in a community where people's basic needs are met.”

“California can't be a great state until all parts of the state are great.”

“I chose Anna as my wife because she is so kind yet so strong and challenges me to become a better person. She has a heart of gold and is unafraid about speaking to and living her values.”