By Miriam Raftery
June 5, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – On May 30, Lemon Grove Mayor Raquel Vasquez picked up nomination documents from the Registrar of Voters to run for County Supervisor District 4 in the August 15 special primary election to fill the vacancy left by Nathan Fletcher’s resignation. But today, one day before the filing deadline, Mayor Vasquez announced in an e-mail to followers that she has decided not to run.
“Though I have the experience, qualifications, and ability to serve the residents of District 4, I will be taking a step back. I will continue to build consensus on other pathways to help our communities grow and prosper,” she stated. “Residents who live, work and play in Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley, Casa de Oro and Lemon Grove are worthy of a leader who will invest in our communities. I wish the candidates all the best with their campaigns and look forward to working with the elected County Board of Supervisors for District 4.
Vasquez, the city’s first African-American mayor serving since 2016, said her initial decision to enter the race was made after many discussions with supporters and family.
A Democrat, Mayor Vasquez did not state her reasons for opting not to run. However, two other prominent Democrats have been campaigning for the seat and already locked in key endorsements before Vasquez took out papers for the race.
Janessa Goldbeck, a Marine Corps veteran, human rights advocate, and CEO of a nonprofit for military families, is endorsed by San Diego’s three Democratic Congressional members: Mike Levine, Juan Vargas and Scott Peters, as well as by former Congresswoman Susan Davis, California Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, and more.
Monica Montgomery Steppes, President Pro Tem of the San Diego City Council and a former civil rights attorney, has endorsements that include Dr. Akilah Weber, La Mesa City Councilmember Patricia Dillard, San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, among others.
Republican Amy Reichert, a conservative activist who founded Reopen San Diego during the pandemic, is also campaigning for the seat. Her endorsements include prominent Republicans such as Congressman Darrell Issa, El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, and State Senator Brian Jones as well as the San Diego County Republican and Libertarian parties.
In addition, Paul McQuigg, an advocate for disabled veterans, pulled papers to run but has not mounted a visible campaign.
To date, only Reichert has turned in her nomination papers. The deadline to do so is tomorrow at 5 p.m.
Vasquez, in her letter to supporters, said she will continue to apply her leadership and experience in city government public relations, to “put people first” in Lemon Grove including boosting budget transparency, enhancing public safety, and spearheading maintenance and infrastructure in the city, instead of seeking to represent Supervisorial District 4.
“I aim to create a more inclusive and prosperous Lemon Grove through these fundamental pillars,” she pledged, “to shape a brighter future for the City, leaving an indelible mark on the community.”