South City Mayors Go Head to Head in Final Stretch for District 1 Supervisor Seat

June 25, 2025

The District 1 San Diego Board of Supervisors special election is approaching its July 1 conclusion, with Republican John McCann and Democrat Paloma Aguirre competing in a race that will determine the political majority on the currently deadlocked board. Both candidates participated in a June 23 forum hosted by BAPAC and Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce, where they addressed issues including infrastructure, sewage crisis, immigration, affordable housing, and public safety. The election follows an April primary where neither secured a majority, with McCann receiving 42% and Aguirre 32% of votes.

Who is affected

Residents of District 1, which includes Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, National City, Barrio Logan, East Village, Golden Hill, and unincorporated areas of Bonita, East Otay Mesa, Lincoln Acres, Sunnyside, and La Presa
San Diego County residents who rely on social services overseen by the Board of Supervisors
Community members in Spring Valley who attended the forum
Working families affected by policy decisions regarding infrastructure, housing, taxes, and public services
Residents concerned about the cross-border sewage crisis in the Tijuana River Valley

What action is being taken

A special election is being held through July 1 for residents to cast their votes by mail or in person
Candidates are participating in forums to answer voter questions, including the recent event hosted by BAPAC and Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce
Aguirre is currently leading efforts to secure wastewater treatment plant upgrades to address cross-border sewage issues
McCann is overseeing the development of the Gaylord Hotel project
The San Diego Registrar of Voters is providing information about the District 1 Supervisor race

Why it matters

The election will break the current deadlock on the four-member Board of Supervisors, which is evenly split between two Democrats and two Republicans
The board has been unable to advance votes on partisan issues like immigration, healthcare, and food security since losing their Democratic majority
The Board of Supervisors controls an $8.5 billion annual budget that directs critical social services for county residents
The candidates hold opposing views on significant issues including systemic racism, taxation, and community priorities
Infrastructure improvements and the cross-border sewage crisis are key regional concerns that require supervisor attention

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint