A Democratic political newcomer is taking on a veteran Republican politician in a highly anticipated race for the County Board of Supervisors seat that represents much of North County.
Who wins will likely come down to experience, name recognition and who can most effectively communicate their plans for District 5.
District 5 covers North County and unincorporated areas including the cities of Escondido, San Marcos, Oceanside and Vista, as well as 10 unincorporated communities including Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Rainbow and Valley Center.
Supervisor Jim Desmond is termed out and is now in the race for the 48th Congressional District.
Kyle Krahel is the Democrat in the race. He used to be the chair of the county Democratic party but has never held elected office before. He’s facing off against Rebecca Jones, the longtime mayor of San Marcos, whose name recognition and habit of old school, face-to-face politics has helped San Marcos lead much of the region in meeting state-mandated housing targets.
A Krahel win would give Democrats their first-ever 4-1 supermajority on the Board of Supervisors, allowing them to pass major budget decisions without Republican votes.
On Friday, Oct. 2, as part of Voice of San Diego’s Politifest North County event, Krahel will sit down for a one-on-one conversation with our Tigist Layne, where he’ll lay out exactly what his proposed solutions are to address the County’s most pressing issues including homelessness, lack of behavioral health resources, housing development and the County’s growing budget deficit.
Jones couldn’t attend because of a family commitment.