12/23/2025
As of today:
Bill Wells's election status
Bill Wells is currently the Mayor of El Cajon, California, a position he has held since 2013. His status as mayor remains unchanged following recent elections, as his current term does not expire until December 2026.
Recent Election Activity
In the November 2024 general election, Wells ran for a federal office while maintaining his role as mayor:
U.S. House of Representatives (CA-51): Wells ran as the Republican candidate for California's 51st Congressional District. He lost the election to the Democratic incumbent, Sara Jacobs, who received approximately 60.7% of the vote compared to Wells' 39.3%.
Continued Mayoral Term: Because he was not up for reelection as mayor in 2024, he continues to serve his term leading El Cajon. He recently delivered the 2025 State of the City Address, focusing on issues like homelessness and economic development at Parkway Plaza.
Key Dates
Last Mayoral Election: November 2022 (Bill Wells Won) 66% of the vote
$25,000 campaign treasury. Full endorsements of many organizations. Expeirence 13 years mayor
Against: Oposing mayor canadate Arnie Levine Real estate broker/owner County Properties.
66% of the vote
$25,000 campaign treasury. Full endorsements of many organizations. Expeirence 13 years mayor
Next Mayoral Election: November 3, 2026
Would you like more details on his current policy initiatives in El Cajon or the results of other local races?
Bill Wells track record for congressional race:
Here’s a more professional rewording of the comparison between Bill Wells' 2024 race and the 2022 mayoral race against you, Arnie Levine:
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************Bill Wells' 2024 Congressional Campaign:**********
A Comparison to the 2022 Mayoral Race
Bill Wells faced significant challenges in his 2024 bid for California’s 51st Congressional District. In the general election, Wells, the Republican candidate, was decisively defeated by incumbent Democrat Sara Jacobs, receiving 39.3% of the vote (128,749 votes) to Jacobs' 60.7% (198,835 votes). This 21-point margin contrasts sharply with the dynamics of the 2022 mayoral race, where I, Arnie Levine, ran a campaign that resonated with a broad coalition, ultimately showing a stronger appeal to voters in a competitive race.
In the 2024 congressional primary, Wells earned 39.1% of the vote (61,923 votes), which was a relatively narrow lead over his competitors but still a clear path to the general election. However, this result reflects a significant struggle to secure a majority, particularly in a district that is considered safely Democratic. Wells' primary win does not suggest the same level of momentum or broad support that would be necessary for a successful general election campaign, especially given the district's political leanings.
When comparing this to my experience in the 2022 mayoral race, one key difference stands out: my campaign in 2022 was not just about appealing to one base but about mobilizing a wide range of voters. My strategy focused on addressing the diverse needs of our city, connecting with voters across party lines, and positioning myself as a leader who could unite the community. In contrast, Bill Wells' congressional campaign was more narrowly focused, struggling to build sufficient support even within his party’s base.
Further, the outcome of the 2022 mayoral race demonstrated a level of broader electoral appeal, as I was able to present a vision for the future that captured the attention of both local Democrats and independents. Bill Wells' performance in the 2024 congressional race, marked by his inability to secure a majority of the vote in either the primary or the general election, shows a similar difficulty in expanding beyond his party's base.
While the political environments between the 2022 mayoral race and the 2024 congressional race are different, the comparison highlights Wells' vulnerability in winning over voters who are not already aligned with his party, underscoring weaknesses in his overall appeal.
**************November 9, 2022 at 7:32 AM PST***************
By Blake Nelson | [email protected] | The San Diego Union-Tribune
PUBLISHED: November 8, 2022 at 11:27 PM PST | UPDATED: November 9, 2022 at 7:32 AM PST
San Diego Union-Tribune
Local News |
Bill Wells ahead in El Cajon mayor’s race, but…
Local News
Bill Wells ahead in El Cajon mayor’s race, but voters appear skeptical of raising taxes
Measure P would double the city’s current half-cent sales tax, potentially generating millions more dollars a year
El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and mayoral candidate Arnie Levine.
[ “ut file / arnie levine.” ] El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and mayoral candidate Arnie Levine.
By Blake Nelson | [email protected] | The San Diego Union-Tribune
PUBLISHED: November 8, 2022 at 11:27 PM PST | UPDATED: November 9, 2022 at 7:32 AM PST
Bill Wells appears to be headed for a third term leading East County’s largest city, as early Election Day results show the Republican mayor well ahead of his Democratic challenger.
Real estate agent Arnie Levine faces an uphill battle as El Cajon ballots are still being counted.
But voters were skeptical of raising taxes, even as Wells and his City Council colleagues have said the extra money could improve public safety.
One other candidate, Gary Kendrick, is running unopposed for a council seat. The 68-year-old is the council’s longest-serving member and represents District 1, covering Fletcher Hills and other areas of western El Cajon.
In a phone interview Tuesday night, Wells, 60, said he was resigned to not having extra revenue.
“We’ll make it work,” he said about the sales tax’s likely defeat.
However, he was elated about strong showings by other Republican mayoral candidates in the county, especially in Chula Vista. That could shift the balance of power at the San Diego Association of Governments, known as SANDAG, a governing body made up of city leaders that has broad powers in the region.
“I think it’s one of the bigger political shifts in San Diego history,” Wells said.
Read More
Levine, 69, said he was still holding out hope mail-in ballots might boost his numbers in the coming hours.
Yet even if he loses, Levine said he was glad he wasn’t a bystander this election.
“My commitment to the homeless will continue,” he said by phone.
While the two candidates agreed that homelessness is the main problem facing El Cajon, they disagreed on whether a new tax was part of the fix.
Measure P’s one-cent sales tax is projected to bring in an extra $12.5 million a year. Proponents have said that could be used to improve city services, especially when it came to cracking down on illegal tent camps.
It would not have an end date, although there would be ways to eliminate or reduce it.
While the increase was opposed by prominent Republicans in the region, El Cajon’s conservative council largely defended the proposal as a way to improve local streets and hire more police officers.
Wells is often at the center of high-profile fights with county and state leaders. He was a prominent opponent of the pandemic shutdown, and he recently pushed back against increasing numbers of homeless people renting hotel rooms with county-issued vouchers.
Levine believes no tax increase is necessary. He wants the city to fight harder for state and federal funding to create a broad coalition of agencies that he believes could end homelessness in the city.
Mayors and council members serve four-year terms. The mayor’s annual salary will soon increase to about $38,000 and Kendrick’s position receives about $26,300.
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Bill Wells appears to be headed for a third term leading East County’s largest city, as early Election Day results show the Republican mayor well ahead of his Democratic challenger.Real estat…
