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Vargas Wins Third Straight Election Against Hidalgo For 51st Congressional District

Democratic Rep. Juan Vargas of San Diego poses for his official portrait in this undated photo.
Office of Rep. Juan Vargas
Democratic Rep. Juan Vargas of San Diego poses for his official portrait in this undated photo.
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Rep. Juan Vargas, D-San Diego, has won against Republican challenger Juan Hidalgo Jr. for the third straight election to represent California's 51st Congressional District seat.

Vargas, who has represented the district since 2012, won the last two elections soundly, taking 72.8% of votes in 2016, and 71.2% in 2018.

So far in 2020, Vargas has 72% of the votes in early returns.

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The 51st District includes southern San Diego County — including National City, Chula Vista and Imperial Beach — and all of Imperial County.

Vargas was born in National City and his political career includes election to the San Diego City Council in 1993, the state Assembly — representing District 79 — in 2000, and the state Senate — representing District 40 — in 2010.

Hidalgo was born in San Diego and raised in National City, according to his campaign. He served in the Marine Corps., with his last assignment as the Sergeant Major for the Joint Task Force of Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), Cuba.

A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.