Three seats are up for election on the San Marcos City Council this year — the mayor’s seat held by Rebecca Jones, the District 1 seat held by Councilmember Maria Nuñez, and the District 2 seat held by Deputy Mayor Mike Sannella.
Several candidates have filed intention statements with the City Clerk’s Office. Sannella and former City Council member Sharon Jenkins are both running for the mayor’s seat, while Jones is running for the District 5 seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
Lindsey Smith and Justin Matsushita are running for the District 2 seat.
Sannella was first elected to the City Council in 2022 and previously served on the Vallecitos Water District Board. He said he is focused on maintaining San Marcos’ status as one of the safest cities in the county and continuing the progress made on local infrastructure.
He said he is also focused on the city’s upcoming project to rebuild San Marcos Boulevard to improve traffic flow.
Outside of road repairs, he said he would also like to see the larger area of San Marcos Boulevard be redefined as a walkable arts and entertainment district, so that more people spend their dollars in the city.
“That’s an area where I think everyone in San Marcos should be able to go out and have fun and make memories. I think there’s a great opportunity there,” Sannella said.
Jenkins is running for mayor after serving on the City Council, representing District 3 for 12 years, and was termed out of her seat in 2024. Prior to the council, she served 14 years on the San Marcos Unified School Board.
Along with her extensive government leadership experience, Jenkins has highlighted her ability to work with people across political lines and her thoughtful, independent decision-making.
“As our city continues to grow and face new opportunities and challenges, I believe San Marcos deserves experienced, steady leadership,” Jenkins previously told The Coast News. “I’m running for mayor to ensure we continue to build a safe and strong San Marcos.”
Smith is the president of the San Elijo Hills HOA and the San Elijo Hills Fire Safe Council, and is a San Marcos Planning Commissioner. She has a background in facilities and construction management.
She said her top priority for the city is to maintain a strong public safety presence. She is also focused on maintaining local control over development.
“I am pro-smart growth. To me, that looks like housing and small business growth that complements what our community needs; it has adequate parking; it has some good amenities for the residents and the community, and upholds the high quality of life that people in San Marcos come to expect from living here,” she said.
She also said she is passionate about expanding public transportation opportunities in the city, such as expanding the NCTD+ shuttle to serve youth in District 2.
Matushita is the former Santee Fire Chief, retiring from the role last year, and now leads the new Public Safety Management bachelor’s program at Miramar College. He also serves on the city’s Measure Q Oversight Committee.
He said his top priorities as a council member would be updating the city’s General Plan and ensuring Measure Q funds are spent wisely.
Matsushita said serving as fire chief in Santee has given him a unique skill set and understanding of the hard work of city staff, which he said some elected officials lose sight of.
“I’m a little bit more poised than most. I understand where my lane will be,” he said. “It’s very valuable to have that perspective.”
As a third-generation San Marcos resident, he said he is passionate about uplifting local youth. He previously served on the board of the San Marcos Promise (now Project Next) and has supported the Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos, which he attended as a child.
Nuñez confirmed she is running for re-election to her District 1 seat representing the area of Richmar. So far, she is running unopposed. She was first elected to the council in 2018 and is seeking a third term.
Nuñez highlighted her experience as an attorney and community advocate, as well as her seven years of service on the council. She said she will continue advocating for housing affordability, community safety, infrastructure, and economic opportunity, and will continue promoting civic participation and equity.
Her top priority, she said, is to ensure everyone has a thriving quality of life in the city.
“Many working families who live in District 1 face grave challenges, including housing and food insecurity and are struggling with economic pressures. I hope to continue improving the lives of our residents, especially the most vulnerable community members, and businesses who remain disproportionately under-served and under-resourced,” Nuñez said.
