A Stockton native, podcaster and CEO and founder of the entertainment media outlet Hollywood Unlocked took to social media this week to announce his candidacy for a spot on the Stockton City Council next year.
Jason Lee posted a campaign poster to his Instagram that said, “Elect Jason Lee, change you can count on,” to publicly announce that he will be vying for the council’s District 6 seat, which represents South Stockton.
Prior to running for City Council, Lee had been trying to help the youth within the community by attempting to get the approval of a pilot program called “I Am Ready,” through Hollywood Cares Foundation, which he created in 2022 to create programs centered around youth leadership, civic engagement, and personal development.
In May, Lee and other supporters had crowded Stockton City Hall in an attempt to get $1 million from the City Council for the pilot program, which was intended to help the city’s disadvantaged youth by giving them mentoring and coaching programs offered during non-school hours and would be run in community-based settings such as libraries or community centers.
“Curriculum will be designed to build stronger youth leadership, train students to develop basic academic and life skills, direct action organizing and civic engagement,” stated a proposal overview from the program.
Ultimately Lee was not able to secure the funding.
Currently, District 6 is represented by Vice Mayor Kimberly Warmsley.
Elections will be held in March for Stockton City Council seats in District 2, 4, and 6 as well as for mayor.
The nomination period began Monday and will close Dec. 8.
