McCann, Aguirre advance in special supervisor election
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Chula Vista Mayor John McCann and Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre are headed to a runoff to be South Bay's next county supervisor.
Why it matters: The July 1 election will determine partisan control of the county board of supervisors, which has been stuck at a 2-2 stalemate since former Supervisor Nora Vargas' surprise resignation.
Driving the news: McCann, a Republican, took 43.5% of the 57,449 ballots ballots counted Tuesday night, giving him a large lead over three elected Democrats.
- Aguirre weathered an onslaught of outside spending against her to take 31.7% of the vote.
- That gives her a sizable cushion over San Diego Councilmember Vivian Moreno, who took 13% despite receiving more financial support than any other candidate.
What's next: The Registrar estimates there are 11,000 uncounted votes remaining, which is not enough to change the outcome of the race.
State of play: While McCann finished well ahead of the field, his three top Democratic rivals — Aguirre, Moreno and Chula Vista Council member Carolina Chavez — combined for 52.2% of the vote.
- That gives Aguirre a clear path to victory, if she can hold the Democratic votes together.
Yes, but: That's easier said than done.
- Some Moreno supporters also backed McCann in the primary, with one prominent donor telling Axios he'd be happy if either of them won, as long as Aguirre didn't.
By the numbers: There are more than twice as many registered Democrats as Republicans in District 1, the county's southernmost area.
- But in the low-turnout environment of a special election, the district votes to the right of its registration numbers.