I’m John Minto — Mayor of Santee and Chair of the Republican Party of San Diego County’s District 2 Central Committee. This role extends beyond Santee to East County communities such as El Cajon, Lakeside, and Alpine. Whether you know me from City Hall or from party politics, I wanted a place where you could get the full picture of who I am and what I’m working on.

I grew up in East San Diego, the son of an SDG&E lineman and a stay-at-home mom, and followed my dad into the trade for a few years — working as an apprentice lineman — before joining the San Diego Police Department at 22. I spent the next 29 years there as a patrol officer and detective, including the early work that helped turn a crime-ridden stretch of downtown into what’s now the Gaslamp Quarter. My wife and I have called Santee home since 1992, and it’s where my public service really took root: fourteen years on the City Council taught me how to read a budget and get things done, and I’ve been proud to serve as your mayor since 2016.

On this site, you’ll find three things. First, more about me — my background, the values that guide my decisions, and how I got here. Second, regular updates straight from me on what’s happening in Santee: the projects we’re tackling, the progress we’re making, and the wins along the way, from the Highway 52 Coalition to keeping our budget balanced and our streets safe. Third, information on the candidates the Republican Party of San Diego County is backing this election cycle so that you can make an informed choice at the ballot box.

Thanks for stopping by — I hope you’ll check back often.

— John Minto