Gubernatorial Candidates Pledge Emergency Declaration Over Tijuana Sewage Crisis

As Californians prepare to head to the polls on Tuesday, the decades-long Tijuana sewage crisis has emerged as a pivotal issue for many South Bay voters. Several candidates in the governor's race recently toured the Tijuana River Valley with San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre, who has been advocating for stronger state and federal action to address the ongoing cross-border pollution crisis.

During the visit, Aguirre asked candidates whether they would declare a state of emergency in response to the sewage contamination that has long plagued South Bay communities. Katie Porter, Matt Mahan, Tom Steyer, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Xavier Becerra all stated they would support a state of emergency declaration if elected.

Steve Hilton said he would defer to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and work with the Trump administration to solve the problem. ABC 10News reached out to candidate Chad Bianco to ask whether he would support declaring a state of emergency but had not received a response as of publication.

Several candidates also emphasized the need to collaborate with federal officials and Mexico to address the flow of untreated wastewater that continues to impact communities along the U.S.-Mexico border. The candidates' support for a state of emergency declaration contrasts with Governor Gavin Newsom's position on the issue.

Newsom has repeatedly said he does not believe a state of emergency would solve the problem. Instead, his administration has highlighted investments in projects aimed at reducing cross-border pollution and improving water quality in the region.

A spokesperson for the Governor wrote ABC 10News, reiterating the administration's focus on long-term infrastructure solutions rather than emergency declarations.