Aguirre Leads in SD District 1 Special Election

Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, a Democrat, has taken a significant early lead over Republican Chula Vista Mayor John McCann in the special election for San Diego County’s District 1 Board of Supervisors seat, following voting that concluded on July 1. The vacancy arose after former Chair Nora Vargas resigned following her reelection, leaving the five-member board evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. District 1 covers the county's southern communities, including Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and parts of the city of San Diego. Aguirre's campaign has prioritized issues like border sewage pollution, infrastructure, and public health, while McCann has highlighted his experience as a Navy veteran and Chula Vista mayor. The outcome is critical, as the winner will serve until January 2029 and act as the tie-breaking vote on county policies. Democrats aim to regain board majority amid ongoing concerns about homelessness, housing costs, and county finances.