Supervisors Chair Nora Vargas to Leave Office, ‘Citing Personal Safety and Security’

In a surprising announcement, Nora Vargas, chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, said Friday that she would not serve a second term out of concern for her “personal safety and security.”

“After very careful consideration, I’ve decided to conclude my tenure as County Supervisor, completing my first term this January 6, 2025,” she said in an email to constituents. “Due to personal safety and security reasons, I will not take the oath of office for a second term.”

Vargas handily won re-election in November, with 62.5% of the vote.

However, she has been a target of criticism from some conservatives in San Diego County because of her advocacy for equity and human rights and support for immigration, while also drawing some scorn from her own constituents for her handling of the ongoing border sewage crisis.

County supervisor meetings have become increasingly rowdy in recent years, with Vargas calling for a recess as recently as Dec. 10 due to a screaming person in the gallery during a contentious public speaking session regarding an immigration policy.

“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,” Vargas said in her message.

“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.”

“As a Guerrera at my core, I remain committed to continuing the fight for equity, justice, and human rights – just in a different capacity. I look forward to staying whole-heartedly engaged and active in the pursuit of a more equitable society.”

The two Democrats and two Republicans remaining on the board may be hard-pressed to agree to a temporary candidate to fill Vargas’ seat, which could lead to a special election in 2025.

“I greatly appreciate Chair Vargas’ service to the county and our community, and I hope she finds resolution to the challenges with which she is grappling,” said Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer. “As Vice Chair of the County Board of Supervisors, let me assure you that the work and new direction of the county will continue moving forward.

“We will continue advancing our agenda to uplift all of our communities. I’m confident in my fellow county supervisors, executive team, and employees, and we will keep tackling the major issues facing our region, just as the public expects and deserves.”

City News Service contributed to this report.

Updated 3:10 p.m. Dec. 20, 2024