Observations from a Retired Senator
Downtown establishment shocked by results; Anderson’s victory expected by those who live in the district
By Hon. Mark Wyland
Primary Election Results:
Primary election night left Joel Anderson leading by 5,000 votes over Steve Vaus in the 2nd District County Supervisorial contest and, unlike any other Republican on the ballot, his lead continued to surge with each update over the next 30 days.
Traditionally, late ballots turned in are overwhelmingly Democrat. When the tallying was finished, Anderson had increased his victory to a 7,500 vote margin (remarkably 15 percent above Republican turnout), proving Anderson’s bipartisan approach is well known in his district. While serving in the legislature, he authored 453 bills with Democrats.
Despite Supervisor Dianne Jacob leading a $400,000 independent expenditure attacking him, Anderson’s 12 years of hard work in the district proved too difficult to overcome.
Biggest Election Surprise:
Poway Mayor Vaus garnered only 47 percent of the vote in his hometown, with 53 percent of Powegians rejecting him.