Three candidates are vying to take the top law enforcement spot in San Diego and defeat the “soft-on-crime” candidate. Carl DeMaio had them on his radio show to make their case to voters.
Across the country, far-Left Democrats have made it a priority to target and flip the offices of Sheriff and District Attorney in a number of counties. When they win these seats, the result has been catastrophic as their hand-picked candidates take over and enact sweeping policies that coddle-the-criminal in the name of “restorative justice.”
With longtime San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore retiring in February, the residents of San Diego County will be asked to elect a new sheriff for the first time in 12 years. Progressive Democrats are now salivating at the chance to seize our Sheriff’s office to enact the same failed left-wing policies that have resulted in crime waves across the country.
Their candidate? Dave Myers — a controversial ex-Sheriff’s Deputy who even some fellow Democrats say is “unhinged.” The San Diego County Deputy Sheriff’s Association strongly opposes Myers.
Carl DeMaio, chairman of Reform California, says the possibility that Myers could be elected San Diego Sheriff is a significant threat to public safety.
“Dave Myers is a radical candidate that would put the safety of every San Diegan at risk,” said DeMaio. “He will cause crime to skyrocket in San Diego if elected,” he continued.
Myers failed in his previous run for San Diego Sheriff in 2018, losing by 10 points. But he’s back in 2022 with the endorsement of the San Diego County Democratic Party.
Myers is also backed by Genevieve Wright-Jones, a Black Lives Matter activist who was backed by George Soros in 2018 in her failed bid for District Attorney. Wright-Jones says Myers will fix the “humanitarian crisis in our jails.” In all other communities where a Left-wing Sheriff has made that a policy goal, that’s been code for “release inmates back onto the streets.”
If Myers is elected, expect him to move quickly to defund community policing in favor of social workers, enforcement of constitutionally-dubious vaccine mandates, early release of criminals, relaxing of bail requirements, failure to enforce drug crimes, and politicization of the local sheriff’s department.
Who are the viable alternatives? Former Acting Sheriff and current Undersheriff Kelly Martinez, Chief Criminal Prosecutor John Hemmerling, and Peace Officer Jonathan Peck.
The top two candidates from the Primary Election, regardless of political party, will advance to face-off in the November General Election. But with crime already increasing by 21% in San Diego County this past year, selecting the best candidate to support public safety will be critical in both the Primary this June and the runoff in November.
Carl DeMaio, chairman of Reform California and host of the DeMaio Report on 600AM KOGO, spoke to each of the three candidates on his radio show and gave them the opportunity to give their “elevator pitch” for becoming the next Sheriff.
DeMaio has not endorsed anyone in the race for Sheriff, but he can say with certainty: “Definitely not Dave Myers!”
All of DeMaio’s other endorsements can be found in his annual voter guide at ElectionGuideCalifornia.org
John Hemmerling
John Hemmerling is a Chief Criminal Prosecutor in the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. Hemmerling is endorsed by the Republican Party of San Diego County, and says he’s committed to continuing Sheriff Gore’s law and order approach to policing.
However, Hemmerling has drawn the fire of the San Diego County Gun Owners, who have been critical of Hemmerling’s support for restraining orders to strip individuals of their 2nd Amendment rights. Hemmerling says Gun Violence Restraining Orders should be only used in “limited” cases where an individual constitutes a real threat to themselves or others. Other than that dispute, which may be real or perceived, Hemmerling does have a solid record of supporting Constitutional Carry rights.
“I am stronger on CCW than anybody out there,” Hemmerling said.
DeMaio asked Hemmerling why voters should back his candidacy. “It’s about leadership,” said Hemmerling. “Any organization … needs strong leadership — I’ve proven that,” he continued. He went on to list his decades of experience in the marine corps, as a police officer, and as the chief prosecutor that runs San Diego’s criminal division.
DeMaio asked Hemmerling his position on defunding the police and letting criminals out of jail without bail or with lesser bail requirements.
Hemmerling said that defunding the police was “never a good idea.” He also voiced his strong opposition to allowing “violent” individuals to get out of jail early and back out into our communities.
“Would you use resources of the sheriff’s department to [enforce covid mandates]?” asked DeMaio.
“No I would not,” said Hemmerling. “Sheriff’s resources should be fighting crime.”
For more information, you can visit Hemmerling’s website HERE.
Kelly Martinez
Kelly Martinez is a Democrat who currently serves as the Undersheriff — basically the number two at the Sheriff’s Department. She has briefly served as Acting Sheriff after Gore’s retirement as well. Martinez is endorsed by various Democrats, including County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher and State Senator Toni Atkins — and also has earned the endorsement of former Sheriff Bill Gore.
For the moment, Martinez embraces a Center-Left approach to policing that emphasizes “opportunities for treatment, education and real help instead of a law enforcement response.”
“I’m the most experienced and qualified candidate in this race,” Martinez told DeMaio, pointing to her 37 years on the job. “I’m currently the Undersheriff, running the day-to-day operations of the department,” she said.
DeMaio asked her about her position on defunding the police and keeping jails safe.
“We are absolutely not defunding police in this county,” Martinez responded. She then called the ‘defund the police’ movement negative and hurtful to law enforcement efforts and morale. She also pledged to invest in staffing and infrastructure and work to keep jails safe.
“Where would you have positioned yourself on [covid mandates]?” asked DeMaio.
“I wouldn’t support enforcing mask mandates,” she responded.
Based on her actions and interview, DeMaio says Martinez is probably not as extreme as Dave Myers — but only time will tell.
For more information, you can visit Martinez’s website HERE.
Jonathan Peck
Jonathan Peck is a Peace Officer with 19 years of law enforcement experience. Peck says he’s running to be a “Constitutional Sheriff” and has outlined strong law and order policies. While not enjoying the institutional support that Hemmerling or Martinez have amassed, Peck has been gaining the support of a number of grassroots groups.
Peck told DeMaio that his main motivation for entering the race was to follow the constitution and prevent covid-mandate overreaches in the future.
“I want to step in and make sure that never happens again,” said Peck.
“Why would you jump into this race knowing that the Republican Party had already endorsed someone else, that the San Diego County Gun Owners had already endorsed someone else, that you’re a neophyte … are you in to split the vote?” asked DeMaio.
“No, I’m in to represent the people,” answered Peck. He said that he has the support of the grassroots and is the candidate that represents people that “believe in what I believe in.”
Peck said that Martinez and Hemmerling were very close in policy and said that he is the more conservative and constitutional candidate.
“My strategy is to harness the power of the people,” said Peck.
DeMaio said that he appreciates the grassroots energy behind his campaign, but still worried that he would split the vote with Hemmerling.
On jails, Peck said that he hopes to improve scheduling and prevent overworking employees. His belief is that happier employees will improve conditions in the jails.
For more information, you can visit Peck’s website HERE.
View Carl DeMaio’s Election Guide
Listen to the Full Candidate Podcast
Photo Credit: Getty Images