Two longtime Santee council members challenged for their seats

In Santee, two longstanding council members are being challenged for their seats in November.

Once a quiet backcountry town, Santee has developed into an East County suburb, putting infrastructure needs and expansion as central issues in the upcoming election.

Councilmember Rob McNelis, 54, and Vice Mayor Ronn Hall, 69, were both appointed to their current four-year terms after running unopposed in the 2022 election. Now facing challengers, the incumbents are pitching their track records to voters.

McNelis serves District 1 and has sat on the City Council since 2010. His challenger is Matthew Rascon.

A mortgage broker and a Republican, McNelis has lived and worked in Santee since 1994. He has the support of the Republican Party of San Diego County, the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the Lincoln Club Business League.