Joel Anderson is running for a second term as county supervisor to represent the residents of District 2. The popular Republican and former assemblyman and state senator faces a modest challenge from Democrat Gina Jacobs, who has yet to hold public office.

In addition to incumbency and name ID, Anderson has a huge fundraising advantage over his opponent. 

“Anderson has raised more than 10 times as much as his Democratic challenger Gina Jacobs this year — ​​$46,700, compared with just over $4,000,” the San Diego Union Tribune reported in August. “Jacobs has raised just over $14,000 total since the start of last year, and Anderson has raised nearly $283,000 since starting his re-election campaign in 2021.

“Anderson received $32,000 from the Republican Party last year. Jacobs has not received any funding from the local Democratic Party but is listed as an endorsed candidate on the party’s website. Anderson also has two independent committees supporting him that have cumulatively raised nearly $465,000, most garnered by the Republican Central Committee.”

Jacobs: The Challenger

While this is not a priority race for Democrats, in stark contrast to the supervisorial race in District 3 (Lawson-Remer vs. Faulconer), Jacobs says she’s in it to win it. 

“I will be the voice of all District 2’s residents, working hand-in-hand with our communities to help San Diegans confront their daily challenges,” she says. “Let’s prioritize community-focused solutions.”

Her campaign website says she has managed a Veteran employment program, employment initiatives for members of the disabled/neurodiverse communities, and assisted small businesses in navigating the barriers to contracting with large public agencies in San Diego.

In addition to the local Democratic Party, Jacobs is endorsed by San Diego Democrats for Equality, Run Women Run, and Safer CA, a gun safety group. 

Jacobs is a fresh face with new ideas and new energy, and that certainly has some appeal with 

No Party Preference (NPP) voters, but many of those same voters likely view Anderson favorably.

Anderson: The Incumbent

While a Republican, Anderson has carved out an independent streak and is not afraid to reach across the aisle, political insiders say. He’s recognized as a smart, popular leader committed to doing what’s best for the people he represents. He has a long track record of success.

“Supervisor Joel Anderson served East County San Diego in the State Assembly from 2007-2009 and in the State Senate from 2010-2018. Prior to that, he served on the Padre Dam Municipal Water District and the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego Board of Directors,” his campaign website says. “He has been a longtime grassroots advocate for issues he cares about, and ultimately it was his experience running his own business that inspired him to run for office to make California more friendly towards small business owners.”

Anderson is endorsed by public safety groups, business groups, the local Republican Party, and Reform California.

“Never straying from the principles that he was elected to uphold, a Sacramento Bee study identified Supervisor Anderson as the third most independent legislator based on his voting record, and he earned 100% ratings from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the California Taxpayers’ Association,” his campaign website says.

It adds: “During his first year as a supervisor, Anderson wasted no time in ensuring County government worked for his constituents. From keeping the public safe, to improving fire and emergency safety, Anderson authored or co-authored 22 legislative actions that improve County government, many of which were ideas proposed by his constituents.”