Hernandez Leads Stockton Unified Area 2 Race
Early returns show newcomer Alicia Hernandez with a wide lead in the Stockton Unified School District trustee contest.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Administration
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Alicia Hernandez holds 59.93% of the vote in the Stockton Unified School District Area 2 trustee race, ahead of Patrick Martin at 24.94% and Sam Carpenter at 15.13%. In Area 7, David Padilla leads incumbent Kennetha Stevens, a former board president, 58.07% to 41.93%.
Why it matters
The early returns point to a shift in board representation in Stockton, where a newcomer and a challenger are leading races that may reshape the district's governing body. Results are still being counted, so the margins may change as more ballots are tallied.
The figures are unofficial tallies reported by trustee area as counting continues. Area 2 leader Alicia Hernandez holds 59.93%, while Area 7 leader David Padilla holds 58.07%, and both margins remain subject to change until final certification.
The players
Stockton Unified School District
The public school district serving Stockton, whose seven trustee areas are being contested in this election.
Kennetha Stevens
A former president of the Stockton Unified School District board who is trailing in the Area 7 race.
The details
Results for the Stockton Unified School District trustee races are being reported area by area. In Area 5, Donald Donaire holds 54.48% against Malina Sanchez, and in Area 6, Sofia Colón holds 53.95% against Christina McBrian. The reported tallies are preliminary and may shift as additional votes are counted.
Timeline
Nov. 9, 2026: Vote tallies reported for Stockton Unified trustee races.
Administration Context
Trustee elections organized by geographic area give each neighborhood a direct seat on the board, which means individual area results can reshape local school governance. The early Area 2 and Area 7 returns illustrate how that structure plays out in a contested cycle.
Residents in the affected Stockton trustee areas will be represented by whoever wins these seats. Parents and voters can follow the certified results to see which candidates take office on the board.
The takeaway
Trustee races decided area by area can change board membership even when overall turnout is modest. Following certified results is the most reliable way to know who will represent each part of Stockton.
Further reading
Explore more education administration coverage for context on how school boards are governed.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Palm Springs Desert Sun.
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