Dillard Steps In—Will Lothian Step Up? La Mesa’s Mayoral Race Heats Up Early

La Mesa Councilmember Patricia Dilliard

By San Diego Monitor News staff

LA MESA, CA — La Mesa resident and City Councilmember Patricia Dillard has formally launched her campaign for mayor in the city’s 2026 municipal election. A review of candidate filings shows that Dillard is currently running unopposed. However, several community and political observers say La Mesa City Councilmember Laura Lothian is considering entering the race, which could significantly reshape the contest.

Lothian, who has served on the council since 2020, has raised her public profile in recent months through a highly visible social media presence and consistent briefings at businesses and community establishments throughout La Mesa. Although she has not announced a mayoral bid, many view her recent activity as an indication she may challenge for the position.

Dillard, a San Diego native who moved to La Mesa in 1996, has been a resident of the city for more than 25 years. Her professional background spans nearly four decades and includes corporate work, small-business ownership, and her current role in mortgage services. She spent more than a decade with AT&T, where she was recognized as a top national sales performer, later operated her own business, and now helps residents obtain home loans. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing as well as a master’s degree in organizational leadership.

Alongside her professional work, Dillard has been involved in community efforts supporting women- and minority-owned businesses, faith-based programs, and police oversight, including her role as Vice Chair of La Mesa’s Community Police Oversight Board.

In her campaign messaging, Dillard has highlighted issues she believes are central to La Mesa’s future, including expanding economic opportunities, supporting job training and small-business development, and addressing rising housing costs that she says are affecting families, young adults, and seniors. She has also emphasized the importance of supporting youth and educational recovery efforts following the pandemic, as well as fostering public safety and accountability based on her oversight experience.

With the election still more than a year away, the mayoral field remains fluid. For now, Dillard is the only declared candidate, though speculation continues regarding a potential challenge from Lothian, whose increased public presence has drawn attention from local observers.

Additional candidates could still emerge before the filing deadline.

As campaigns develop and candidates formalize their platforms, voters can expect a clearer picture of the choices before them. San Diego Monitor News will continue to follow updates as the race for La Mesa mayor takes shape.