Written by William Hekman
Monday night, the Republican Party of San Diego County made a number of endorsements for races ahead of the 2022 elections. The endorsements came at the first Central Committee meeting of 2022 which also saw a presentation from the Registrar of Voters who spoke about the Voters Choice Act and Michael Alexander from California School Choice Now.
Incumbents endorsed by the party included newcomer to San Diego Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, Lakeside Union School District member Andrew Hayes, Poway Unified Board member Ginger Couvrette, Lakeside Water District member Frank Hiliker, and Padre Dam Municipal Water Board members Bill Pommering and James Peasley. Also endorsed were Amy Reichart for County Board of Supervisors and Dane White for Escondido Mayor. Republicans in San Diego County also expect to make a big push in Chula Vista, endorsing City Council District 1 candidate Marco Contreras, District 2 candidate Steve Stenberg, and City Attorney candidate Dan Smith. Also endorsed was Shirley Nakawatase for Imperial Beach Mayor. Nakawatase is a longtime resident of Imperial Beach and has a long history of leadership and volunteerism. She previously served as president of the Imperial Beach Boys and Girls Club and is a member of the Kiwanis Club, a volunteer organization.
The committee endorsed Brian Maryott for the 49th Congressional seat race.
The committee endorsed Assemblywoman Marie Waldron for the 75th Assembly District.
There was no endorsement made in the 76th Assembly district race.
John Hemmerling was endorsed for San Diego Sheriff. Hemmerling is up against two major Democrat candidates and gives the Republican party the best chance to win the Sheriff seat, “Whether as a combat Marine, a tough street cop, or chief criminal prosecutor, Republican John Hemmerling will be a tough, law and order Sheriff that voters can trust and take pride in.” said Chairwoman Paula Whitsell.
Matt Gunderson and Kelly Seyarto were endorsed for the Senate District 38 and Senate District 32 races.
Stan Caplan was endorsed for the 51st Congressional Seat. Caplan would challenge incumbent Democrat Sara Jacobs.
Frank Xu was endorsed for Palomar Community College and Kyle Hermann was endorsed for La Mesa Spring Valley School District.
Dr. Linda Luckacs was endorsed for San Diego City Council Seat 2. Dr. Luckacs is running against incumbent Democrat Jennifer Campbell who has become increasingly unpopular among her district and party.
