Of this cycle’s local races, it’s hard to come up with one that better captures our political zeitgeist than the contest for El Cajon mayor. Incumbent Bill Wells, a conservative whose support for local collaboration with federal immigration officials has spurred state challenges, faces outsider Alexander Kraft, a union organizer, political rookie and self-described socialist.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, the two will debate at Voice of San Diego’s Politifest as the University of San Diego.
Today’s political climate has been increasingly defined by deep-seated anger with the status quo. Across the country, socialists, most often aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America, have racked up victories, often relying on significant critiques of both parties.
Still, those victories have mostly been reserved for the bluest of blue precincts. With this race, Kraft and his fellow ideological travelers hope to prove their message can resonate with voters outside of America’s liberal bastions.
Kraft has positioned himself as a progressive warrior – though one outside of America’s political mainstream. He’s not a member of the Democratic party and is instead registered with California’s Peace and Freedom Party. He’s promised voters he’ll fight for a citywide minimum wage, a repeal of El Cajon’s anti-sanctuary city ordinance and expanded support and services for the city’s homeless residents.
Mixed in with calls to improve city infrastructure, like roads, he’s also leaned into some of the issues of the day. In slick Instagram videos, Kraft has come out full force against the automated license plate reader cameras like Flock deployed by El Cajon. His affable demeanor, working-class background and leftist policy proposals have helped mobilize support of San Diego’s local DSA chapter.
Wells stands as a stark foil. First elected to El Cajon’s City Council in 2008, he ascended to mayor in 2013 after a scandal took down his predecessor. Over the past three elections, he’s proved himself to be an electoral juggernaut. Despite El Cajon becoming ever-more Democratic, he’s won every mayoral election by at least 40 points.
At the root of Wells’ lights-out electoral success is his pitch as the candidate of common-sense policies and fiscal responsibility. He touts El Cajon’s sizable budget reserves as evidence of his prudence and preaches the gospel of public safety, arguing a fully-staffed and operational police force is his number one responsibility. He has also supported a stricter approach to homelessness that requires treatment prior to delivering services.
Perhaps his most high-profile battle has been over state laws dealing with immigrants. Wells spearheaded the adoption of an anti-sanctuary city ordinance and has pushed for El Cajon’s police force to collaborate on deportations with immigration officials.
Who will El Cajon choose? A stalwart conservative, unafraid to stand up to Sacramento’s liberal order? Or a socialist change agent angling to upend El Cajon’s political balance?
Get a sneak peek of the contest at Politifest. You’ll even be able to make your voice heard by voting on the winner of the debate. Get your tickets now!