SAN DIEGO (CNS) – The man elected to the Board of Supervisors District 2 seat four years ago is seeking a second term because “there’s more to be done” – while a Port of San Diego official is challenging him to “offer a different perspective.”

Incumbent Joel Anderson, a Republican whose previous experience includes tenures in the state Legislature, will face Democrat Gina Jacobs in the officially nonpartisan race on Tuesday.

Anderson, who was elected in 2020 to replace the ousted Dianne Jacob, told City News Service: “I made campaign promises and I’m keeping them.”

He focused specifically on homelessness and said, “I approved of every item the county put forward regarding homelessness.”

Meanwhile, on his campaign website, Anderson notes that he is “focused on improving the quality of life of his constituents,” “from improving public safety and fire safety to providing critical mental and homeless services for East County.”

Anderson listed some of his early accomplishments as shutting down nearly 100 illegal drug operations in unincorporated communities; various efforts related to the homeless crisis, such as a secure parking lot and the East County crisis stabilization unit; and purchasing an advanced helicopter to fight wildfires at night.

Anderson also said Jacobs, a city resident, didn’t know much about communities like Ramona and Lakeside.

A Michigan native who moved to California with his family as a teenager, Anderson earned an associate’s degree in business administration from Grossmont College and a bachelor’s degree in finance and business administration from Cal Poly Pomona. He and his family have long been residents of the Alps.

Anderson was elected to the 77th District Council in 2007. He served as a state senator for the 36th District from 2010 to 2018. In addition to his role as supervisor, Anderson also serves on the board of the San Diego Association of Governments.

Jacobs, a native San Diegan who lives in the Allied Gardens-Del Cerro neighborhood and has a 12-year-old daughter, is the Port of San Diego’s diversity, equity and inclusion business and community partner. This is his first time running for elected office.

In an interview with CNS, Jacobs said he saw an opportunity to “offer a different perspective than the current executive provides.”

Jacobs said District 2 is different than it was in 2022, when redistricting occurred, and it also changed the needs of voters.

If elected, Jacobs said he would focus on expanding the stipend program for those at risk of homelessness and increasing the housing stock.

On fire safety, Jacobs said he will work to ensure the county takes preventive measures such as fire-free zones. On a related issue, Jacobs said he would propose a homeowners summit to pressure insurance companies to address high premiums.

Jacobs also said fentanyl addiction is a big problem in East County and credits the county for expanding substance abuse and mental health programs. He added that he supports looking at the root causes of substance abuse with more staff resources, ending stigma and providing options for those in treatment to stay sober.

Her previous experience includes human resources and business development roles for the San Diego Regional Airport Authority.

Jacobs earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and political science from San Diego State University and then a master’s degree in business administration in sustainability from Alliant International University.

Anderson was endorsed by the San Diego County Republican Party; public safety groups such as the San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputy Association, San Diego Police Officers Association and Cal Fire Local 2881; and industry organizations such as the Associated General Contractors, San Diego Chapter and the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce.

Jacobs has support from the San Diego County Democratic Party, former Democratic Rep. Susan Davis, and political organizations including Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest, Run Women Run, Safer California, and San Diego Democrats for Equality.

With a population of 620,000, it borders mostly Region 2, Imperial County, and parts of Baja, California, to the southeast. It is home to the tribal nations of Barona, Campo, Capitan Grande, Ewiiaapaayp, Inaja-Cosmit, Jamul Indian Village, La Posta, Manzanita, Sycuan, and Viejas.

It includes three cities (El Cajon, Poway, and Santee) and is also home to more than three dozen unincorporated communities. In addition, District 2 is home to the Allied Gardens, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Del Cerro, Grantville, Kearny Mesa, Marine Corp Air Station Miramar, Miramar Ranch, Rancho Bernardo, Saber Springs, San Carlos, San Pasqual Valley neighborhoods of the city of San Diego . , Scripps Farm, Serra Mesa, Stonebridge and Tierrasanta.

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