News Update: Council Candidates by the Numbers
Yesterday was the deadline for City Council candidates to file Campaign Disclosure Statements (Form 460) reporting their contributions, contributors, loans and expenditures through September 19. Those numbers provide an objective metric for gauging candidate strength.
Here’s what we learned yesterday about candidates’ contributions:
L-R: Meghan Spieker, Jas Grewal, Terry Gaasterland, Jeff Sturgis
Endorsements provide a second metric for assessing relative candidate strength.
Meghan Spieker: 191 endorsements by individuals disclosed. Also endorsed by U.S. Representative Mike Levin, Del Mar Firefighters Local 4163, Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, San Diego County Democratic Party, Torrey Pines Democratic Club, and Sierra Club San Diego.
Jas Grewal: 148 endorsements by individuals disclosed. Also endorsed by U.S. Representatives Mike Levin and Scott Peters, Del Mar Firefighters Local 4163, San Diego County Democratic Party, Torrey Pines Democratic Club, and Sierra Club San Diego.
Terry Gaasterland: unknown, except for three individuals providing endorsement quotes on her recent mailer. No endorsement list on her websites or recent mailer. Note that as of 9/25, the website listed on her yard signs, TerryForDelMar.com, goes to a 404 error message.
Jeff Sturgis: unknown (no endorsements listed on his website or campaign eblasts as of 9/25/2026).
ENDORSEMENT SHIFTS, 2022 to 2026
U.S. Rep. Mike Levin: Endorsed Gaasterland (and Worden) in 2022. In 2026, endorses Spieker and Grewal.
Sierra Club: Endorsed Gaasterland (and Worden) in 2022. In 2026, endorses Spieker and Grewal.
San Diego County Democratic Party: Endorsed Gaasterland (and Worden) in 2022. In 2026, declined to grant Gaasterland a “friendly incumbent endorsement,” declared the race “critically important,” and endorsed Spieker and Grewal.