CHULA VISTA, Oct. 18, 2026 — Chula Vista voters will choose between incumbent Mayor John McCann and Chula Vista Elementary School District trustee Francisco Tamayo in the November general election.
KPBS updated its nonpartisan race guide on October 14 with candidate priorities, endorsements, campaign finance and positions on several local issues.
John McCann
McCann, a Republican and U.S. Navy reservist, was elected mayor in 2022 after years on the City Council. KPBS lists his top priorities as public safety, infrastructure and public parks.
McCann has emphasized continued development, including Bayfront projects, affordable housing and park investment. He has also highlighted the city’s public-safety record and infrastructure spending.
Francisco Tamayo
Tamayo, a Democrat and current Chula Vista Elementary School District trustee, works in information technology and security at Calbright College. KPBS lists his top priorities as economic development, public safety and homelessness.
Tamayo has emphasized affordability, housing for working families, transportation improvements and a more active city response to immigration concerns affecting local families.
Money and endorsements
According to KPBS, as of late September McCann had raised more than $300,000 and spent nearly $260,000. Tamayo had raised just over $18,000 and spent more than $14,000.
McCann’s listed endorsements include the Chula Vista Firefighters, Chula Vista Police Officers Association, Republican Party of San Diego County and Building Industry Association of San Diego County. Tamayo’s listed endorsements include the San Diego County Democratic Party, several Chula Vista City Council members and the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council.
What the race is really about
The contrast is less about whether Chula Vista should grow and more about how that growth should be managed, who benefits from it, and what priorities should come first. Affordability, public safety, immigration, traffic and infrastructure are all central issues.
ChulaVista.com will cover the race as a local civic issue, not as an endorsement contest. We intend to compare records, positions and claims fairly and give both candidates room to explain their plans.
Source: KPBS 2026 Chula Vista mayoral race guide, updated October 14, 2026.