After recently winning a second term on the County Board of Supervisors Nora Vargas is quitting.
The Democrat surprised and upended the county’s political landscape Friday when she announced via an emailed statement that she will not take office in January.
“After very careful consideration, I’ve decided to conclude my tenure as County Supervisor, completing my first term this January 6, 2025. Due to personal safety and security reasons, I will not take the oath of office for a second term,” she wrote. “It has been my honor to serve in public office during unprecedented times, including the past four years on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Whether serving as an elected board member on the Southwestern College Governing Board for seven years or as your first Latina County Supervisor, I’ve had the privilege of leading transformative initiatives in the County of San Diego and beyond for nearly 30 years, alongside many of you. My priority has always been our community, ensuring that everyone can be seen, heard and have a chance to thrive.”
Vargas did not provide details about the personal safety and security issues she mentioned.
In November she handily defeated Alejandro Galica in the race to represent District 1, earning 62.46% of the vote. The San Diego County Registrar of Voters office recently certified election results and the county’s first Latina County Supervisor and acting chairperson was set to start her second term next year.
Vargas started her tenure on the county’s legislative body a year into the COVID-19 pandemic when she was sworn in on January 4, 2021. She succeeded Republican Greg Cox, who retired after a long career in politics, including as mayor of Chula Vista.
With an estimated 630,000 residents County District 1 includes the cities of Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach, and unincorporated neighborhoods in the southern portion of the city of San Diego.
Vargas’ departure leaves the four remaining supervisors, two Democrats and two Republicans, with the task of appointing a replacement or calling for a special election.
