SAN DIEGO—Monica Montgomery Steppe will become San Diego County’s first Black female supervisor when she is sworn in by early next month to represent District 4.
Ms. Montgomery Steppe, a San Diego city councilwoman since 2018, handily defeated private investigator Amy Reichert in Nov. 7 special election. Ms. Montgomery Steppe led Ms. Reichert, 61–39 percent, or 48,636 votes to 31,101, according to results released by the San Diego County Registrar of Voters.
“We took a grassroots movement to yet another hall of power,” Ms. Montgomery Steppe said in a statement. “We brought a model of governance that puts the people first.”
Ms. Reichert thanked her supporters and said she would continue to advocate for San Diego County residents.
“While the results may indicate that victory in this election remains unattainable, my resolve to enhance the prosperity of San Diego County remains resolute,” she said Nov. 8 morning. “Entering this race with a clear vision for a brighter future for our community, I acknowledge that our current path has fallen short. However, this setback only amplifies my determination to contribute significantly to our betterment.”
The special election was prompted by the May 15 resignation of Nathan Fletcher amid allegations of sexual harassment and assault, which he has denied.
The supervisors voted in May to have an election, rather than appoint a successor to serve out the term, which ends in January 2027. Ms. Montgomery Steppe and Ms. Reichert finished 1 and 2 in the Aug. 15 primary.
Ms. Montgomery Steppe, a Democrat seeking the nonpartisan office, said her priorities as a supervisor would be tackling homelessness, including more resources for shelters and affordable housing, and expanding substance abuse treatment and “holistic and humane public safety” by reducing jail deaths, giving first responders and neighborhoods what they need to prevent crime, and effective gun safety policies.
She also advocates “investing in people,” with increased access to health care, education, and youth counseling; job creation, more parks and infrastructure to improve air quality and reduce crime; and supporting reproductive rights and privacy.
Ms. Reichert, a Republican, became prominent in 2020 after cofounding the nonprofit Re-Open San Diego, which opposed county mandates, including certain closures, in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. She lost to Mr. Fletcher last year in his bid for a second term.
District 4 includes La Mesa and Lemon Grove, the San Diego neighborhoods of Azalea Park, Bankers Hill, Bay Ho, City Heights, Clairemont Mesa, Encanto, Grantville, Hillcrest, Linda Vista, Mission Hills, Normal Heights, Rolando, Skyline, University Heights and Valencia Park and the Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, Dehesa, Rancho San Diego and Spring Valley unincorporated communities.
