A political earthquake just shook Southern California—and Democrats didn’t see it coming.
In a hotly contested special election for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Republican John McCann mounted a powerful challenge in a district long considered safe for the Left. This is the same area Kamala Harris carried by 20 points, yet early results now show McCann within striking distance.
The race is a warning sign that California voters are fed up with rising crime, unchecked homelessness, high taxes, and open-border chaos.
Trump’s Immigration Policies Fuel Leftist Rage—But Not Democrat Turnout
Despite loud protests in Los Angeles and San Diego over President Trump’s immigration enforcement, including ICE deportation operations, the Democrat base appears to be sitting this one out.
As of Tuesday night, Imperial Beach Democrat Paloma Aguirre holds just a 6-point lead (53% to 47%) over McCann—shocking numbers for a district that should’ve been a slam-dunk for the Left.
With only 19% of ballots counted, the race remains wide open.
Control of $8.5 Billion Budget Hangs in the Balance
This is no small local contest. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors controls an $8.5 billion budget, overseeing crucial programs like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, veteran services, and law enforcement funding. It also governs crime-ridden, unincorporated communities where residents feel increasingly abandoned by Democrat leadership.
Until recently, the five-member board was evenly split after Democrat Nora Vargas abruptly resigned, citing “safety concerns.” This election will determine which party controls the board—and the future direction of California’s second-most-populous county.
Democrat Aguirre Promises Bigger Government, More Spending
Paloma Aguirre is campaigning on promises of increased government spending, an audit of homelessness programs, and new funding for EPA Superfund infrastructure projects. She’s also pushing for policies to combat border sewage issues, which have impacted South Bay communities.
Her campaign rhetoric, however, has leaned hard left. In a victory statement Tuesday, Aguirre declared:
“District 1 now has a fighter who will hold the line against the Trump administration.”
That’s right—rather than focusing on crime, high energy costs, or the border crisis, her priority is attacking President Trump.
Veteran John McCann: Law and Order, Not Leftist Rhetoric
Republican candidate John McCann, a U.S. Navy veteran, is running on a conservative platform of public safety, lower taxes, and government accountability.
McCann is calling for:
- Increased law enforcement funding
- Opposition to the controversial mileage tax
- Crackdown on wasteful homelessness spending
- Expanded health care and job training for veterans
- Tough action on the border sewage disaster
In a statement to local media, McCann took the high road:
“I’m willing to work with anybody—as long as we want to focus on results and having solutions.”
That contrast between leadership and ideology couldn’t be clearer.
Final Ballots Could Flip the Race—Certification Due July 31
Ballot counting will continue throughout the week, with the next official results due Wednesday at 6 p.m. Final certification is set for July 31.
The winner will fill the District 1 seat through January 2029—with massive implications for tax policy, immigration enforcement, public safety, and the future of California governance.
Why This Race Matters for Conservatives
This election is more than just local politics. It’s a clear sign that even in liberal California, conservative values are gaining ground—especially among voters concerned about:
- Illegal immigration
- Skyrocketing homelessness
- Crime and public safety
- Out-of-control government spending
- Veteran neglect and health care failures
- High utility and energy bills hurting seniors
Bottom Line: The Red Wave May Start in the Most Unexpected Place—California.
If McCann flips this seat, it could signal a seismic shift as more Californians reject radical left-wing policies and embrace President Trump’s America First agenda.