Join the South County EDC Candidates Forum Series
Interested in Sponsoring the Candidate Forum Series? Click here.
An informed community is a stronger community.
The South County Economic Development Council invites residents, business
leaders and community stakeholders to participate in our
2026
Candidates Forum Series, held virtually every Wednesday
throughout October from 4:00 to 5:00 PM.
As a nonpartisan organization, SCEDC does not endorse candidates.
Our goal is to ensure that the people who live, work and do business
in South County have access to the information and dialogue necessary
to make informed decisions that reflect their priorities and the
needs of their communities.
All candidates seeking elected office to represent South County communities
have been invited to participate. While we would welcome everyone's
involvement, some candidates have declined or have not yet confirmed
their availability.
Our forums are designed to go beyond traditional campaign presentations
by creating opportunities for
two-way dialogue between candidates, voters, businesses and community
members.
Participants will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates
about why they are seeking office, their priorities and what they
hope to accomplish if elected. Just as importantly, candidates will
have the opportunity to hear from the communities they hope to represent
about the issues, challenges and opportunities that matter most.
From economic development, housing and infrastructure to education,
workforce opportunities and quality of life, the decisions made by
our elected representatives help shape the future of South County.
We encourage everyone to participate, ask questions and become informed.
Your vote is your decision, and our goal is to help ensure you have
the information necessary to make the choice that is right for you
and your community.
Every Wednesday in October
4:00–5:00 PM | Virtual
Join us for this important community conversation and get to know
the individuals seeking to represent South County.
SCEDC is a nonpartisan organization. Participation in the Candidates
Forum Series does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate.
Wednesdays This Fall | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Via Zoom
Candidate Forum Series Session
City of Imperial Beach
Candidate for Mayor
Karl Bradley is a career public servant who grew up in the South Bay and has called Imperial Beach home for 14 years.
Download Full Bio
City of National City
Candidate for Mayor
"I am running for mayor because we deserve a brighter future. I believe we can live in a more vibrant, family-oriented community; where our city works on behalf of its residents and prioritizes your well-being above everything else."
Download Full BioCandidates Forum Series Session
City of Chula Vista
Candidate for Chula Vista City Council District 1
Greg Martinez is a longtime Chula Vista resident, small business owner, CPA, husband, father, and community volunteer who believes City Hall should focus on the basics.
Download Full Bio
South San Diego County
Candidate for U.S. Representative, 52nd District
Jeff Belle is a candidate for Congress in California’s 52nd Congressional District, bringing more than a decade of experience in business, education, health policy, and public service to his campaign.
Download Full Bio
San Diego
Candidate for District 2 Council Member
Nicole Crosby is a working mom, Deputy City Attorney, and proud Clairemont resident, running to represent her neighbors in San Diego City Council District 2.
Download Full BioCandidate Forum Series Session
San Diego
Candidate for California State Assembly 80th District
Assemblymember David Alvarez was elected to the California State Assembly in June of 2022 to represent the 80th Assembly District.
Download Full Bio
Otay Water District
Candidate for Division No. 1
Rivera, a licensed civil engineer and traffic engineer, brings more than three decades of public-sector engineering, transportation, and infrastructure leadership to the Otay Water District.
Download Full Bio
City of National City
Candidate for District 1 Council Member
Luz Molina is the City Council representative for District 1. District 1 encompasses the Westside, Old Town National City, and the portside communities.
Download Full BioCandidates Forum Series Session
City of Chula Vista
Candidate for Re-election as Mayor
Mayor John McCann, a lifelong Chula Vista resident, is a decorated Iraq War veteran and successful small-business owner.
Download Full Bio
City of Imperial Beach
Candidate for District 3 Council Member
Born and raised in Imperial Beach, this is the place Councilmember Mariko Nakawatase has always called home.
Download Full Bio
San Diego County
Candidate for San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector
Shirley Nakawatase has spent more than 40 years serving San Diegans as a Certified Public Accountant and small business owner.
Download Full Bio
* Recognition as title sponsor
* Opportunity to introduce candidates or make closing remarks
* Inclusion in pre/post event eblast
* 30-second spot during forum
* Premium logo placement on event site with other sponsors during
forum(s)
* Social media post about event with company logo.
* Recognition as select sponsor
* Opportunity to introduce candidates
* Inclusion in pre/post event eblast
* 30-second spot during forum
* Prominent logo placement during forum
* Social media post about event with company logo.
* 15-second spot during forum
* Logo placement during forum
* Social media post about event with company logo
To sponsor or inquire about how to get involved with the South County
EDC please fill out the form below.
You can also contact Jim O’Callaghan at 619.424.5143 or email jim@southcountyedc.com
710 E. 16th St
#472
National City , CA 91951
P: (619) 424-5143
Email: SCEDC@SouthCountyEDC.com
October 7 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Via Zoom
October 14 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Via Zoom
October 21 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Via Zoom
October 28 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Via Zoom