San Diego Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe Discusses Safety Net, District 2 Race

Interview covers county social services, upcoming City Council election

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In the third episode of the San Diego Politics Show, County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe discussed her efforts to bolster the county's social safety net programs, even as federal support for those initiatives has declined. The show also featured a panel discussion breaking down the competitive City Council race in District 2, including the impact of former Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey's entry into the race and the paths for the other major Democratic candidates to advance to the general election.

Why it matters

Montgomery Steppe's work on the county's social services is crucial as the region grapples with issues like homelessness, mental health, and economic insecurity. The District 2 City Council race is also an important one, as the winner will help shape policy decisions for a key San Diego neighborhood.

The details

During the interview, Montgomery Steppe discussed her attempts to patch the social safety net the county is tasked with providing, even while federal support for those programs is on the decline. The panel segment featured a discussion led by show host Matt Strabone, Times of San Diego reporter Andrew Keatts, and Axios San Diego journalist Claire Trageser. They broke down the impact of former Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey's entry into the District 2 race, the path for deputy city attorney Nicole Crosby to earn the county Democratic Party's endorsement, and how the other two major Democratic candidates — Josh Coyne and Mandy Havlik — can make their way into the general election.

  • The San Diego Politics Show episode aired on March 1, 2026.
  • The June primary election for the District 2 City Council race is coming up.

The players

Monica Montgomery Steppe

County Supervisor representing District 4 in San Diego.

Richard Bailey

Former Mayor of Coronado who has entered the District 2 City Council race.

Nicole Crosby

Deputy city attorney running for the District 2 City Council seat.

Josh Coyne

One of the major Democratic candidates in the District 2 City Council race.

Mandy Havlik

One of the major Democratic candidates in the District 2 City Council race.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.