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Imperial Beach council appoints Mitch McKay mayor to fill vacancy
Summary
After public debate over cost and democratic process, the Imperial Beach City Council voted 3-1 to appoint Councilmember Mitch McKay as mayor to serve the remainder of the term; oath and follow-up on McKay's council vacancy set for the next regular meeting.
The Imperial Beach City Council appointed Councilmember Mitch McKay as mayor on Aug. 6, 2025, voting 3-1 after more than an hour of public comment and legal briefing on the city's options for filling a mayoral vacancy.
City Attorney Lyon opened the council’s discussion by outlining the legal framework: “A vacancy in the office of the mayor is filled pursuant to Government Code section 34902, which says the council shall fill the vacancy by appointment,” he told the council, adding that if the council fails to appoint within 60 days it must call a special election. That 60-day deadline runs from July 22, 2025, making Sept. 20 the statutory cut-off.
The council’s decision settled a debate between residents and advocacy groups who urged a special election or an open application-and-interview process and others who argued the city cannot afford the estimated $250,000–$400,000 cost the registrar provided for a standalone special election.
Public commenters urged both sides. Advocate Erica Lowry said the appointment is “the most prudent choice”…
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