By Jillian Butler
On April 27, 2026, more than 200 residents gathered at the Liberty Station Conference Center, shared with Point Loma Nazarene University, for a wide-ranging forum featuring candidates vying to represent San Diego’s District 2. Hosted by the League of Women Voters, the event gave Peninsula residents a chance to hear directly from those hoping to replace termed-out Councilmember Jennifer Campbell.
OBceans and Point Loma residents hope that the next councilperson will take the concerns of Peninsula residents seriously. Currently, there are six individuals vying for Ms. Campbell’s position.
Mr. Josh Coyne is a former Campbell aide who has a professional background in Student Affairs at the University of San Diego. He has a robust background in providing aid to LBGTQ+ youth. Ms. Nicole Crosby is a former City Attorney and a mother. She is extremely involved with Parent-Teacher Association meetings, and her experience as a devoted parent drives her desire to better her community.
Ms. Mandy Havlik is the wife of a disabled veteran– a group of Point Loma voters that is often overlooked. Mr. Jacob Mitchell is a younger man with no political background who is hoping to make this region more affordable. Mr. Paul Suppa is an attorney and fellow alumni of the University of San Diego. Finally, Mr. Richard Bailey the former mayor of Coronado is throwing his hat in the ring for a District Two seat. It is an open secret that he plans on leveraging this position to run for mayor.
There was quite a show for this gathering.. Each individual was given a card to write a question on. ADUs, Balboa parking fees, homelessness, ICE– the District Two constituents left no stone unturned.
Despite disagreements on other issues, the importance of a humane way to address the homelessness crisis was a resounding talking point. In the words of candidate Crosby: “the approach of the city is very disjointed…we need places for people to go… we need to get real about the type of shelter that we are looking to build…somewhere someone can close the door behind them and feel safe..not these big box that Todd Gloria proposed, that don’t work for the community or those who are unhoused.”
The notion of San Diego being a sanctuary city was also a pressing question. Currently, San Diego is a “sanctuary city” meaning that the cooperation between our local law enforcement and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) is limited. Other than Mr. Richard Bailey, all of the panelists were in favor of maintaining San Diego’s status as a sanctuary city. In the words of Mr. Suppa, “I like my ice crushed.” Mr. Bailey provided a different perspective, saying “we are also a nation of laws…”
Throughout this panel, it was indicated that local issues such as the Balboa Park fees will be imperative, but topics such as sanctuary cities also indicate that the constituents see a reflection of the federal government within local politics.
For many in attendance, the event was less about finding a perfect candidate and more about ensuring that whoever is elected will remain responsive to the Peninsula’s needs. As the race moves toward the primary, forums like this one offer an early glimpse into how candidates plan to navigate the complex mix of local priorities and larger political pressures that define District 2 today.
Thank you for the summary.
I met with Josh Coyne fairly early on in Campbell’s term. He was almost catatonic for fear of saying something wrong. No one him. Richard Bailey has been described as a maga republican. In my only communication with him, he indicated support for short term rentals. While mayor of Coronado, he ignored the illegal STRs there. Mandy Havlik will be responsive to her constituents, but I believe Crosby will also be responsive to the D2 constituents, has the knowledge of City Hall to push for D2 as Campbell never did, and she will put residents over visitors to San Diego. Crosby is a yes for me.
I wasn’t able to attend the forum, but I do note from the photo that Mandy Havlik is the only one with a non-plastic reusable water bottle. The others with water bottles are drinking from one-use plastic water bottles. Sometimes actions speak louder than words.
Was that comment meant to be satire? I have to believe it because to believe anyone’s decision would be influenced by a thing like this is just too hard to imagine.
No on Bailey
Fifth Column
spam, enough already
The OB Rag publishes articles from the Union Tribune on a regular basis. Will you publish today’s UT editorial (May 1st)? They are endorsing Richard P. Bailey.
Nope