Live Results
Michael Inzunza emerged as the clear favorite in the Chula Vista City Council District 3 election. Early results show Inzunza with a commanding lead over four remaining candidates.
Inzunza, who said he knocked on more than 6,000 doors before the election, attributed his success to the field work.
“I think connecting to people face-to-face and actually listening to people’s concerns I think that’s what did it," Inzunza said. "I think people don’t take the time to knock on doors anymore and actually listen to people.”
Leticia Munguia was a distant second behind Inzunza. Despite the wide gap between first and second, Munguia remained optimistic.
“I’m excited, second place is an exciting place to be,” she said. “I know it’s early on but I am very thankful for all the support from all the community here in District 3 and I look forward to seeing the updates.”
The top two vote-getters will advance to the November general election.
Why it matters
The City Council is Chula Vista’s legislative body. Councilmembers introduce legislation, review the budget, and advocate for their constituents.
The District 3 seat used to be occupied by Steve Padilla, a former mayor of Chula Vista who was elected to the State Senate in 2022. Alonso Gonzalez was appointed to finish Padilla’s term.
By the numbers
Inzunza outspent all of his opponents. Campaign finance disclosures show Inzunza spent $35,541 on the election.
Munguia spent $24,319.
The other candidates spent fewer than $10,000 and had not been actively campaigning in the last couple of months.
Inzunza was endorsed by the San Diego County Democratic Party and the San Diego Labor Council. Munguia was endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and the Service Employee International Union – United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU UHW).
Rice-Vazquez was endorsed by the San Diego County Republican Party.
Looking ahead
Due to late-arriving mail ballots, it may take a few weeks for the Registrar of Voters to officially certify the election.
The top two vote getters will move on to a runoff election in November.
