Mayor John McCann announced he recused himself from a key vote at Tuesday night’s Chula Vista City Council meeting on a resolution supporting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s lawsuit challenging federal tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration.
McCann, a Republican, Navy Reservist and Iraq War veteran, cited military obligations as the reason for stepping back.
“As a military officer, I am prohibited from participating in lawsuits against the Commander in Chief, the Department of Homeland Security or the Federal Executive Branch,” McCann said. “This particular lawsuit directly names the Commander in Chief and the Department of Homeland Security. While I have consistently opposed tariffs and strongly supported free trade, I could not take any action that would conflict with my military duties or undermine homeland security.”
The resolution, introduced by several councilmembers, expresses support for Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta’s legal challenge, which argues that only Congress has the authority to impose tariffs, not the President unilaterally.
The measure is symbolic and carries no legal weight, but supporters say it sends a strong message about the economic impact of tariffs on the border region. At a Monday news conference, Deputy Mayor Carolina Chavez and Councilmember Cesar Fernandez warned that the tariffs are harming key sectors, including trade, tourism and small businesses.
The resolution highlights the importance of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, which facilitates billions in trade and serves as a critical link for cross-border economic activity.
McCann’s recusal also comes at a politically sensitive time. He is one of two candidates in the July 1 special election to replace former County Supervisor Nora Vargas. His opponent, Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, is a Democrat. With South Bay voters favoring Democrats in recent elections, McCann’s stance on federal issues and his ties to Trump-era policies could become a flashpoint in the race.
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