Local Election Priorities
Candidates outline differing priorities on sanctuary laws and local business across regional races.
Anonymous
Key Points
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El Cajon announced in April that it was suing California Attorney General Rob Bonta over the state’s sanctuary law; the city’s resolution had drawn both protests from some community members and support from others.
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White Rock candidate Steve Bede said his approach would protect the city’s character while moving it forward, citing his real-world experience, willingness to listen and practical approach.
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Anthony Manning noted that White Rock has limited commercial space and said struggling or vacant properties on Marine Drive and Johnston Road can deter foot traffic for neighboring businesses; he proposed revitalization tax exemptions as a municipal tool to encourage construction and business activity.
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Steve Hilton previously worked as an adviser to former British prime minister David Cameron and hosted a Fox News show for six years. Xavier Becerra, who served as Joe Biden’s top health official and California attorney general, had held only a handful of public events since the primary, including a September rally supporting Proposition 1.
Local candidates across multiple races are staking out their campaign positions on everything from sanctuary cities to business revival. In El Cajon's mayoral race, Candidate A wants to scrap the city's sanctuary-city resolution and replace it with broader resident protections, while Candidate B argues federal law takes precedence over California's sanctuary rules. Meanwhile, candidates in White Rock and California City are zeroing in on economic development and public safety as core campaign issues.
In California's governor's race, Republican Steve Hilton has been actively campaigning and giving interviews. Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former Biden health official and state attorney general, has kept a lower public profile since the primary, making only a handful of appearances including a September rally for Proposition 1.
El Cajon's Clash Over Sanctuary City Status
El Cajon's April lawsuit against California Attorney General Rob Bonta over sanctuary law has become a flashpoint in the mayoral race. Candidate A plans to repeal the city's existing sanctuary-city resolution and replace it with a policy focused on protecting all residents from harm. Candidate B, linked to the current administration, counters that federal law takes precedence over California's sanctuary protections. The original resolution had sparked both community protests and vocal support from residents.
The lawsuit underscores a core difference between the campaigns: how the city should position itself on immigration enforcement and state law. Candidate A's plan signals a shift toward a broader public-safety framing rather than explicit sanctuary-city language, while Candidate B defends the existing legal challenge against the state.
White Rock Candidates Push Business Revitalization
White Rock council candidates are focusing on local economic growth as a central campaign plank. Steve Bede is calling for fewer regulatory barriers and better communication between city hall and business owners. Anthony Manning is taking a more specific approach, pointing to vacant and struggling storefronts on Marine Drive and Johnston Road that hurt foot traffic for neighboring shops. Manning has proposed revitalization tax exemptions as a municipal tool to spur construction and business activity.
Bede frames his platform around protecting the city's character while moving it forward, citing real-world experience and a willingness to listen to residents. Both candidates are stressing practical approaches over broad ideological shifts, reflecting voter concern about the local economy and neighborhood vitality.
California City Candidate Tackles Finances and Services
In California City's council race, John Fischer is centering his campaign on three pillars: city finances, public safety, and restoring municipal services. He is also highlighting road repairs and backing for local business and film production. This multi-issue approach reflects frustration among voters about budget constraints and service gaps in the city.
Fischer's emphasis on financial stewardship and practical infrastructure work aligns with a broader trend in local races where candidates are downplaying ideological debates in favor of bread-and-butter governance issues.
Governor's Race: Hilton Active, Becerra Stays Low
California's gubernatorial race shows a stark contrast in campaign visibility. Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate who previously advised British Prime Minister David Cameron and hosted a Fox News show for six years, is actively giving interviews and laying out his vision. Xavier Becerra, who served as Joe Biden's top health official and as California attorney general, has made relatively few public appearances since the primary.
Becerra's limited public schedule includes only a handful of events, such as a September rally backing Proposition 1. The divergence in campaign intensity highlights different strategies: Hilton is building momentum through frequent media engagement, while Becerra appears to be taking a more measured approach.
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