Nora Vargas ran unopposed for her seat on the Southwestern College Governing Board, but that did not stop her from campaigning and participating in the celebrations on election night.
Although some considered it odd that she campaigned, it was a priority to Vargas, who will serve her second consecutive four-year term on the board. She was appointed in 2013 and also ran unopposed in 2014.
“Everybody thinks it’s weird that I’m going out and meeting with groups and asking for endorsements and support,” Vargas said. “I feel like I have the responsibility to my constituents and the community, of course, to be out there and be accessible. My biggest commitment is to make sure that I’m transparent and have an open door policy for folks.”
Vargas knew she was going to win, but the election night was still eventful for her.
“I think it’s an exciting time,” said Vargas who attended a party hosted by Engage San Diego. “Because of the role I played with Planned Parenthood, it was really important to me that people went out and voted, especially to take back the U.S. House of Representatives.”
Vargas serves as the vice president of community and government relations for Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. She also serves as a board member for both Run Women Run and the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) to advocate for women and the Latinx community.
The SWC alumna says she is ready to focus on issues around race relations and bring unity to the board.
“I’m looking forward to the next board working together and doing great things for the campus community,” Vargas said. “To advance our students has always been my priority and continues to be my priority.”
Vargas said she was pleased not only with the House flipping from red to blue, but also with the diversity of candidates.
“The number of people and people of color who were men and women who ran, I think, is really important and key to the future of the nation,” Vargas said.
The party hosted by Engage San Diego was filled with people enjoying tacos and beer while their eyes were glued to the television screens distributed around the room showing the latest results. Vargas greeted many people with hugs, and took selfies and later opened the event with a brief speech.
She greeted what she called “a group badass progressives” by pointing out what made this election different than the others.
“Because of you we took back the House,” Vargas said. “Yes, there was a blue wave, but I want it to be clear, there was a pink wave also. Women got elected.”
