San Diego County Supervisor Chair Declines to Run for Second Term

SAN DIEGO—On December 20, San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas, who chairs the county Board of Supervisors, announced that she will resign from the board at the conclusion of her current term on January 6, despite having secured a second term in the November elections.

In a statement released on Friday, Vargas said, “Due to personal safety and security reasons, I will not take the oath of office for a second term. It has been an honor to serve in public office during these unprecedented times, particularly over the last four years on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.”

“In my nearly 30 years of service, whether as an elected board member on the Southwestern College Governing Board for seven years or as the first Latina County Supervisor, I have had the privilege of leading transformative initiatives in the County of San Diego and beyond. My focus has always been on our community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and to thrive.”

Vargas was elected to the board in 2020, taking over from former Supervisor Greg Cox on January 4, 2021. She made history as the first Hispanic woman to serve on the board.

She assumed the role of board chair after former Supervisor Nathan Fletcher resigned amidst a scandal.

The specific “personal safety and security reasons” mentioned remain unclear. However, Vargas has been absent from the board on several occasions this year due to unspecified issues and has faced health challenges related to nodules on her vocal cords.

In recent years, county supervisor meetings have grown increasingly tumultuous. Vargas was forced to call for a recess on December 10 due to a disruptive individual in the audience during a heated public comment session regarding an immigration policy.

Despite the frequent tensions at meetings, Vargas expressed pride in her achievements.

“Some of my most notable accomplishments include leading disaster response and recovery efforts, managing the intricacies of the pandemic, and advancing systemic change to ensure that our government serves all community members, not just a select few,” she stated. “I have dedicated myself to addressing the long-standing inequalities within our community, and I am proud of the progress we have made together.”

“As a Guerrera at my heart, I remain dedicated to the struggle for equity, justice, and human rights—albeit in a different role. I look forward to staying engaged and committed in the fight for a more just society. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your representative.”

Vargas won her reelection easily in November, obtaining 62 percent of the votes compared to opponent Alejandro Galicia, who received 38 percent.

Prior to the election, Vargas had emphasized her candidacy for a second term, stating, “San Diego County requires bold, effective leadership. As your supervisor, I’ve achieved tangible outcomes for our community.”

Her primary focuses included “addressing housing, behavioral health, environmental justice, and economic prosperity to promote a healthier, more equitable San Diego County.”

The next steps remain uncertain since she will not be sworn in as scheduled in January. The board faces multiple options, including holding a special election, appointing a successor, or a combination of both.

With two Democrats and two Republicans continuing on the non-partisan board, reaching consensus on a successor to fill Vargas’s seat may prove challenging.

“I am grateful for Chair Vargas’ service to the county and our community, and I hope she finds solutions to the challenges she is facing,” stated Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer. “As Vice Chair of the County Board of Supervisors, I can assure you that the work and new direction of the county will continue to advance.

“We will persist in promoting our agenda to uplift all our communities. I have confidence in my fellow county supervisors, our executive team, and our employees, and we will address the significant issues confronting our region, as expected by the public.”

Supervisor Jim Desmond, the board’s most conservative member, did not release a formal statement regarding Vargas’s announcement but remarked on the social media platform X, “Never a dull moment at the county.”