Episode
Michael Tubbs on why California needs a different kind of leader right now
- Published
- May 28, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1735
- Processing state
not_requested
Actions
POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/firestarters-with-shannon-watts-6727386/episodes/michael-tubbs-on-why-california-needs-a-different-kind-of-leader-right-now/transcription-requests
Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/firestarters-with-shannon-watts-6727386/michael-tubbs-on-why-california-needs-a-different-kind-of-leader-right-now.md
Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.
Summary
Michael D. Tubbs is running to be California’s next lieutenant governor to build a California future that sets the example for how government can work for everyone. He was Stockton’s first African-American mayor in 2016, and the youngest mayor of any major city at the age of 26. Under his leadership, Stockton saw a decline in homicides and officer involved shootings, as well as record low unemployment rates. Michael is also the Special Advisor to California Governor Gavin Newsom for Economic Mobility; the Founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income; and the Founder of End Poverty in California (EPIC). In this conversation, we discussed how the desire to reduce gun violence inspired Michael to get involved in politics, what it was like to be the mayor of a struggling city, how government CAN work if leaders are willing to try something new, and why it’s so important to vote in California’s crowded primary. Connect with Michael: Website | Instagram | Facebook If you’re looking to unleash your potential, find your personal, professional, or political fire, and to connect with a community who is doing the same, click here to learn more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe