Mayor Responds on Immigration Vote

Chula Vista Mayor John McCann delivers his State of the City address at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | Vito Di Stefano for Voice of San Diego

This morning, reporter Jim Hinch published a story about Chula Vista Mayor John McCann’s bid for a second term in office. 

The story mentioned McCann’s opponents dinging him for not supporting or even voting on a beefed-up sanctuary policy approved earlier this year. McCann said his service as a Naval Reserve officer prevents him from taking a stand on policies that could contravene federal law. 

It’s the issue that refuses to die. Arguments over McCann’s claim have flown back and forth for months. 

Today, McCann sought to put the matter to rest once and for all. He sent a letter written by Craig Candelore, founder of the San Diego-based Veteran’s Legal Center, which advocates for military veterans seeking to access disability benefits. 

McCann asked Candelore to weigh in. Candelore’s conclusion: “Mayor McCann followed the legally required and ethically appropriate course of action.” 

Jim Hinch | May 14, 2026 | Voice of San Diego

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