SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- For the first time in over two decades, there will be a new San Diego County Supervisor for District 1.
Nora Vargas will be the first Latina to ever serve on the Board of Supervisors. The Democrat will take over for Supervisor Greg Cox, who is termed out.
She beat her Democratic opponent, state Sen. Ben Hueso, by roughly 13%.
Nora Vargas, a Chula Vista resident, said her background is in health care and education. She's served on the board at Southwestern College since 2013; she's been board president since 2018. She's also an executive at Planned Parenthood.
Vargas said her top priority as she heads into office is the COVID-19 pandemic. District 1 primarily serves the South Bay, which is one of the areas hardest hit by the pandemic in the entire county.
"For me, it’s really important that we find a balance -- how do we make sure that our small businesses are thriving, that they stay open but at the same time that our communities are healthy and safe? That has to be a priority," explained Vargas.
Vargas was born in Tijuana and raised in Chula Vista where she became a U.S. citizen. As the first Latina to serve on the board, she hopes she won't be the last.
"I see that as a big responsibility but also as a great opportunity to have dialogue about the issues that really matter for our communities," said Vargas.
Other priorities for Vargas include housing security, a climate action plan and economic recovery.
Vargas will be sworn in on Jan. 4.
