Barely half an hour after polls closed Tuesday, San Diego City Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe declared victory in the special election to replace Nathan Fletcher on the Board of Supervisors.
With 109,187 mostly mail and early voting ballots counted, Montgomery Steppe led community activist and COVID lockdown opponent Amy Reichert by 61.0% to 39.0% — a margin of nearly 18,000 votes.
“We elected the first Black woman Supervisor in San Diego County,” she said in posts on Facebook and X. “Thank you for voting, donating and having those tough conversations with your neighbors over the past few weeks.”
“As your Supervisor, I look forward to teaming up with you to tackle homelessness, promote holistic public safety, and invest in the county.”
Monica Montgomery Steppe. Photo by Chris Stone 
Monica Montgomery Steppe. Photo by Chris Stone 
Democratic party chair Becca Taylor, Monica Montgomery Steppe and labor leader Crystal Irving. Photo by Chris Stone 
Monica Montgomery Steppe. Photo by Chris Stone 
Monica Montgomery Steppe. Photo by Chris Stone 
Monica Montgomery Steppe speaks on election night. Photo by Chris Stone
Montgomery Steppe will represent District 4, which encompasses La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Mount Helix, Dehesa, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley and the San Diego neighborhoods of Azalea Park, Bankers Hill, Bay Ho, City Heights, Clairemont Mesa, College, El Cerrito, Encanto, Grantville, Hillcrest, Linda Vista, Mission Hills, Normal Heights, North Park, Rolando, Skyline, University Heights and Valencia Park.
Her victory returns Democrats to a 3-2 majority on the county board.
Reichert on Wednesday conceded her loss, thanking her supporters and saying: ” While the results may indicate that victory in this election remains unattainable, my resolve to enhance the prosperity of San Diego County remains resolute.”
“While the results may indicate that victory in this election remains unattainable, my resolve to enhance the prosperity of San Diego County remains resolute,” she said Wednesday morning. “Entering this race with a clear vision for a brighter future for our community, I acknowledge that our current path has fallen short.”
“However, this setback only amplifies my determination to contribute significantly to our betterment,” she said.
Fletcher represented District 4 for over four years until he resigned May 15 amid allegations of sexual harassment and assault, which he has denied.
City News Service contributed to this article.