The Lincoln Club Business League
Endorsement Committee
About San Diego Lincoln Club Endorsement Committee
On a Mission to Shape San Diego
One of our signature member benefits is the opportunity to interview and hear from candidates running in San Diego County. Endorsement Hearings are open to current members only and are a great way to impact San Diego elections and make your voice heard!
Candidates seeking endorsement are welcome to request RSVP lists prior to the meetings.
Ballot Measures
Federal Offices
U.S. Congress
State Offices
State Controller
CA State Legislature
Senate
Assembly
Superior Court Judge
County Offices
Countywide
Board of Supervisors
City Offices
Carlsbad
Chula Vista
El Cajon
Bill Wells (Mayor)
Escondido
Imperial Beach
City of San Diego
San Marcos
Propositions and Initiatives
The Lincoln Club Business League is proud to support or oppose the following propositions and initiatives in 2026
California Voter Identification and Voter List Maintenance Requirements Initiative (#25-0007)
San Diegans to Repeal the Trash Tax
Benefits of a Lincoln Club Endorsement:
- Endorsed candidates will be listed on the Lincoln Club website and election guide.
- Endorsed candidate fund raising events can be included on the Lincoln Club calendar of events.
- Endorsed candidates may attend Lincoln Club events.
- The Lincoln Club may consider direct financial support for endorsed candidate campaigns
Criteria for Endorsement
Qualifications
The candidate must demonstrate understanding of business issues and policies that promote a vibrant economy and job creation. When evaluating the candidate’s qualifications, the Lincoln Club will consider:
- Experience in business
- Record in previous public office
- Understanding of the public policies handled by the office being sought and how those policies impact the economy
- Understanding of the budget and management of the office sought and related agencies.
- Affirmative proposals for how to improve the efficiency of the office sought
- Affirmative proposal for how to encourage economic growth, prosperity, and job creation through the office sought
Viability
The candidate must demonstrate the ability to win the election. When evaluating viability, the Lincoln Club will consider:
- Previous offices held
- Name identification
- Campaign finance goals, fund raising plan, and ability to meet those goals
- Biography and qualifications
- Grassroots support
- Professional support
- The strength of other candidates
Distinction
The candidate must demonstrate that within the field of candidates, they are best qualified for endorsement. When evaluating the distinction of a candidate, the Lincoln Club will consider:
- Differences in policy issues
- Differences in leadership style
- Differences in experience
Any Lincoln Club member attending an Endorsement Committee meeting who:
works for any candidate, elected official or policy campaign;
or for a consulting firm representing a candidate campaign under consideration;
or who has a direct financial interest – separate than a general economic interest in respect to the business community of San Diego- in an issue or candidate,
must disclose the relationship or interest, and shall not participate in or be present for: any candidate presentations (other than their own client’s), any Endorsement Committee discussion, or any vote on that candidate or matter. The relationship must be disclosed when the issue or candidate that is subject of the conflict is introduced and, prior to presentations, any member(s) with a conflict of interest must leave the room (unless he/she is making the presentation on behalf of the candidate or the issue under consideration or observing his/her own client’s presentation).
Recording of any portion of an Endorsement Committee meeting by members or guests is prohibited.
Applicable Bylaws
ARTICLE Ill "MEMBERSHIP" - Section 4: Termination of Membership (D)
Members must disclose their paid or official affiliations with political campaigns, candidates, elected officials and advocacy groups at meetings during which those interests are discussed and/or voted upon. A member may not participate on the Board of Directors upon filing as a candidate or otherwise becoming engaged as a paid consultant/staff for any political race in which the Club makes or is considering an endorsement.
ARTICLE IV "MEETING OF MEMBERS" - Section 3: Voting (A)
All members shall have equal voting rights and each member shall be entitled to cast one vote in all elections and on all issues submitted to the members, except when prohibited under the conflict-of-interest rules.
Adopted by Lincoln Club Board of Directors on July 21, 2016
Paul Hegyi
Endorsement Committee
Co-Chair
Maggie Sleeper
Endorsement Committee
Co-Chair
Robert Hickey
Judicial Endorsement Committee
Co-Chair
John Nelson
Judicial Endorsement Committee
Co-Chair
