Supervisor candidates emerge
Nora Vargas’ shocking resignation leads to 2 candidates announcing their intentions with a third considering a run; Scripps drops Anthem Blue Cross, new state housing and parking laws
COUNTY — At least two candidates have announced their intentions to run for the soon-to-be vacant District 1 seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre and San Diego and Chula Vista councilwomen Vivian Moreno and Carolina Chavez, respectively, announced their intentions, while Chula Vista Mayor John McCann is open to a run for Nora Vargas’ seat. Vargas shocked the county several weeks ago when she announced she would not take office after winning re-election in November due to personal safety and security reasons.
The Board of Supervisors must call for a special election or appoint a new representative in the coming weeks. Supervisor Jim Desmond, who represents most of North County in District 5, has called for a special election.
“With Supervisor Vargas stepping down, the power to choose her replacement must rest where it belongs: with the voters of District 1,” he said on X. “This seat impacts their future for nearly a full term—let the people decide.”
Political insiders speculated Aguirre and Moreno would be likely candidates, while McCann was seen as a surprise, although could be a force in the race. The district is heavily Democrat and McCann is a Republican, although he won the mayoral race over Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar by four points.
Chula Vista is the second largest city in San Diego County with a population of 274,333 as of July 1, 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
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