The vote tallies are early and uncertified but the result is almost certain—the race for Chula Vista City Attorney has been whittled down from three to two candidates.
As of Thursday night, Marco Verdugo led the field with 9,682 votes to presumed second place finisher Bart Miesfeld’s 9,410.
Daniel Smith Diaz registered about 23.17 percent of the vote, or 5,757 ballots in his favor.
If none of the candidates comes away from the November with more than 50 percent of the vote, they will face off again in the March 2024 election.
“As I have said before, I am not a politician. I have spent my career working as a public servant, on behalf of the residents of Chula Vista. When I decided to run for City Attorney, I did so because I felt the City needed experienced leadership who understands what it takes to do the job well. This has been a long and hard process but based on the results we are seeing, I am optimistic that in March we will finish the job and get City Hall back on track,” Miesfeld wrote in an email to supporters.
Verdugo on Friday issues a statement looking ahead to a probable March runoff between him and Miesfeld.
“I’m humbled and honored to be in first place in the special election for Chula Vista City Attorney. Our lead is a clear indication that the people of Chula Vista are eager for an experienced City Attorney with real roots in our community. This election must be about restoring trust at City Hall and electing new leadership we can trust. I have a proven record as a Deputy City Attorney who has stopped fraud and as the only candidate with real roots in our community, I’ll fight for the real reforms we need. As we look ahead to the runoff, I am more committed than ever to bringing new leadership to the City Attorney’s Office and ensuring all city officials are held accountable to the community and to the law,” he wrote.
The Registrar of Voters is expected to certify results by December.
THIS STORY WAS UPDATED NOV.10.
