We're not just designed just to work all day and run a rat race. We're designed to be in community, to volunteer, to vote, to raise our kids. And I think the more inputs and investments we can give in people to do those things, the better off we are as a community.

Michael Tubbs

Government can't do everything, but there is a role for government and smart policy, especially in equalizing opportunities for folks.

Michael Tubbs

I firmly believe that talent and intelligence are universal, but resources and opportunities are not.

Michael Tubbs

In our economic structure, the people who work the hardest oftentimes make the least. I know migrant farm workers who do back-breaking labor every day, or Uber drivers and Lyft drivers who drive 10 to 12 hours a day in traffic. You can't be lazy doing that kind of work.

Michael Tubbs

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.

Michael Tubbs

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

Michael Tubbs

I tell people all the time, the status quo is so untenable to me. Like, literally, I have no patience for it.

Michael Tubbs

My mom, my aunt, and my grandma banded together and gave me a village of support when I was growing up.

Michael Tubbs

Diversity matters. You want your city departments to look like the city.

Michael Tubbs

We're not just designed just to work all day and run a rat race. We're designed to be in community, to volunteer, to vote, to raise our kids. And I think the more inputs and investments we can give in people to do those things, the better off we are as a community.

Michael Tubbs

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

Michael Tubbs

When I left Stockton and went to Stanford, I felt I hit the lotto. I did not think I was coming back.

Michael Tubbs

During the fall of my junior year, I interned in Intergovernmental Affairs in The White House with a focus on outreach to local elected officials. Although I hated the menial tasks the job required, it gave me a window into the power of local government.

Michael Tubbs

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

Michael Tubbs

Growing up in Stockton wasn't all doom and gloom.

Michael Tubbs

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.

Michael Tubbs

When I was in high school, people would ask me what I wanted to do, and I would always say I wanted to 'lead marches and give speeches.'

Michael Tubbs

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

Michael Tubbs

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.

Michael Tubbs

My father has taught me not to succumb to nihilism, and my mother has taught me the value of hard work and determination.

Michael Tubbs

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

Michael Tubbs