Democrat Aims to Flip San Diego County Supervisor Seat, Bring Supermajority

Kyle Krahel, former chair of the San Diego Democratic Party, is running to flip a long-held Republican seat on the County Board of Supervisors.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:54am

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If Democrats can flip the District 5 seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, they would have a supermajority on the once firmly conservative board. Kyle Krahel, the Democratic candidate, is running against two recognizable North County Republicans. Krahel, who previously served as Congressman Mike Levin's deputy chief of staff, is making the case for the job based on reducing the cost of living in the region.

Why it matters

A Democratic supermajority on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors would allow the party to drive the agenda on key issues like housing, homelessness, and healthcare. However, Krahel faces an uphill battle against two well-known Republican mayors in a district that has historically leaned conservative.

The details

Krahel, who was born and raised in North County, San Diego, has both public and private sector experience. He previously served as chair of the Oceanside Planning Commission and worked in his family's restaurant business. Krahel argues that his background gives him the right mix of skills and community ties to effectively represent the district. He is campaigning on a platform of reducing the cost of living by addressing housing affordability, energy prices, and water costs.

  • The primary election is 62 days away, and early voting starts in five weeks.
  • Krahel previously served as chair of the San Diego Democratic Party.

The players

Kyle Krahel

The Democratic candidate running for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors District 5 seat. Krahel previously served as Congressman Mike Levin's deputy chief of staff and as chair of the Oceanside Planning Commission.

Jim Desman

The long-serving Republican who currently holds the District 5 seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

John Franklin

The Republican mayor of Vista who is also running for the District 5 seat.

Rebecca Jones

The Republican mayor of San Marcos who is also running for the District 5 seat.

Mike Levin

The Democratic Congressman whom Krahel previously served as deputy chief of staff.

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What they’re saying

“North County has changed a lot. But also just what folks are feeling and hitting, getting hit with in this country right now, especially because of the Republican policies in Washington, D.C. Things are just so expensive. I really don't need to say the price of gas is exploding. And folks are looking for an alternative that isn't the same divisive MAGA politics. They want results.”

— Kyle Krahel, Democratic Candidate for San Diego County Board of Supervisors

“We need to be actually investing in the diverse portfolio of energy sources, not just the old school fossil fuels. And unfortunately, again, the Republicans in DC have choked off any permitting, not just incentives, but any permitting for wind and solar.”

— Kyle Krahel, Democratic Candidate for San Diego County Board of Supervisors

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 race highlights the shifting political landscape in San Diego County, where Democrats are seeking to gain a supermajority on the Board of Supervisors. Krahel's focus on reducing the cost of living could resonate with voters, but he faces an uphill battle against well-known Republican opponents in a historically conservative district.