Two candidates races to replace Rebecca Jones as mayor of San Marcos

One thing is for sure: there is no shortage of experience in the race to lead San Marcos.

Current Deputy Mayor Mike Sannella is facing off against former Deputy Mayor Sharon Jenkins. Sannella has served on the city council since 2022. Jenkins termed out after a 12-year tenure.

Sannella has the backing of current Mayor Rebecca Jones, who is running for county supervisor, and the San Diego GOP.

“We remain laser focused on the job at hand, which is really doing the work of the residents in those key areas of public safety and parks and rec and economic development, having a strong local economy,” said Sannella.

Jenkins is supported by the San Diego Democrats, but both candidates insist this is a race focused on the hyperlocal, not the hyperpartisan.

“If I was Queen for a day and there was one thing I could fix, it would be to try to help the traffic flow in San Marcos, because that’s what everybody talks about,” said Jenkins.

A great deal is being asked of voters in San Marcos, who are weighing in on races that could shape the balance of power in congress or strengthen the Democratic majority at the council. Jenkins hopes the mayor’s race will be refreshing in its civility.

“I’ve always had the party of San Marcos mentality. And so as I have said over my 26 years, I’ve always stayed nonpartisan,” said Jenkins.

Her opponent offered a similar perspective, in a race candidates say is less about turning things around and more about holding the course.

“We believe that we’re part of the San Marcos party. We tried to stay outside of national politics and just stay outside of the fray,” said Sannella.