Republicans endorse Abed over Gaspar in supervisor race

REGION — The County Republican Party has thrown its support behind Escondido Mayor Sam Abed in the race for County Dist. 3 Supervisor.

The Republican Party of San Diego announced Wednesday that it voted Monday night to endorse Abed over fellow Republican and Encinitas Mayor Kristin Gaspar, who is also running for the supervisor seat currently held by Dave Roberts, who is seeking re-election.

Abed, who has been a polarizing figure during his two terms as mayor in Escondido, secured the coveted party endorsement by receiving more than two thirds of the committee’s votes, the threshold required for a candidate to receive the endorsement over a fellow party member.

“Endorsing one Republican over another requires a 2/3 vote threshold — and rarely happens,” GOP Chairman Tony Krvaric said. “Clearly Sam Abed’s long-time and steadfast commitment to Republican principles and values earned him the support of committee members and we are proud to endorse him.”

Gaspar’s campaign reached this week expressed disappointment in not receiving the party’s nomination, but touted several key endorsements she has received throughout the campaign.

“While I’m disappointed not to get the party endorsement, I’m very proud to have the support of Mayor Faulconer and the four Republican City Councilmembers, Senators Bates and Anderson, and Assemblyman Rocky Chavez,” Gaspar said.   “I’ve been a very effective Republican mayor in a Democratic city by focusing on balanced budgets, economic development, and quality of life and will continue to do so on the Board of Supervisors.”