Dems Want at Least One South County Mayor
With Democratic mayoral candidates facing obstacles in Chula Vista and Imperial Beach, the race to lead National City is taking center stage.
A four-way race for mayor in National City has become central to Democratic interests in South County. And whoever wins may be an indicator of what’s to come down south.
For the past year, Republicans have held the mayor’s seat in all three cities — Chula Vista, Imperial Beach and National City — despite South County’s largely Democratic voter base.
Dems are hoping the upcoming election will change that in at least one city. But they’re not necessarily holding their breath for Chula Vista or Imperial Beach.
In Chula Vista, the Democrat challenging Mayor John McCann seems to have all but thrown in the towel, our Jim Hinch writes.
And in Imperial Beach, Dems worry a three-way race for mayor — where two of the candidates are Democrats — will split the vote and ensure the conservative-leaning independent (and incumbent) Mitch McKay, will take the win.
That leaves National City.
City Councilmember Marcus Bush is facing off against City Councilmember Jose Rodriguez. Although both are Democrats, they are each backed by different interest groups and political heavyweights, and the total money raised so far in this race has already far exceeded the 2022 mayoral race totals.
National City could be a bellwether for where political tides are flowing south of San Diego.
Written by Jim Hinch | October 6, 2026 | Voice of San Diego
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