Campa-Najjar, MCCann advance in mayoral race
Chula Vista Councilmember Jill Galvez has conceded the mayoral race as the vote margin between she and Ammar Campa-Najjar continues to widen, paving the way for him to challenge John McCann in November.
According to an update released Wednesday by the Registrar of Voters, with 34 percent of the votes counted to date, Campa-Najjar had 23 percent while Galvez had 20 percent, a difference that increased from 898 to 1,232 votes. McCann has stayed in first place with 31 percent.
Campa-Najjar said Wednesday that he received a “gracious phone call from (Galvez) congratulating us on our win,” which she confirmed.
“It was a fierce primary, but I think that’s because we all care deeply and feel strongly about the future of the city,” he said, adding that as the general election approaches, he will “lay a very clear contrast about the vision that we have for the city versus the other candidate running.”
In a statement released Wednesday, Galvez said, “I tried my very best but it wasn’t meant to be. I sincerely appreciate everyone who took the time to speak and learn about Chula Vista issues, friends and family who helped my campaign, and congratulate all candidates who put themselves out there to try to make a positive difference in our community.”
McCann, 53, was the only Republican in the race and was endorsed by the Chula Vista Police Officers Association. He emphasized bringing more “common sense” efforts to the city, such as putting public safety first by hiring more police officers, helping small businesses and adding more local jobs. He is a third-generation Chula Vistan, a small business owner and currently serves as the District 1 council member.
Campa-Najjar, 33, a small business owner and former Barack Obama administration official, was endorsed by Chula Vista firefighters and other labor unions. He said improving the city’s economic health was a top issue and he would create an “aggressive economic growth plan” for the city. He previously ran for Congress to represent East County.