A half-cent sales tax and incumbents running for re-election were strongly supported by voters in El Cajon. With about 1.5 million ballots counted and 20,000 left to go countywide, results of the Nov. 5 election released Thursday show Measure J passing with 68% support from voters. Measure J will extend a half-cent sales tax originally passed in 2008, continuing a tax rate of 8.25% until March 31, 2049. The tax generates $13 million annually for the city, accounting for 14% of general fund revenues, but is set to expire in 2029. Only one council seat was on the ballot this year, with incumbent Steve Goble facing challenger Courtney Hall, a data and research analyst with the County of San Diego in District 4. Results on Thursday show Goble with 67% of votes. District 2 representative Michelle Metschell and District 3 representative Phil Ortiz ran unopposed. This was the city’s second attempt in two years at extending the tax increase. A measure that asked voters to support a full-cent tax increase failed in 2022, with about 61% of voters opposed. The new tax measure was supported by El Cajon Fire Capt. John Oslovar, El Cajon Police Officers Association President Melad Tilko and San Diego County Taxpayers Association President and CEO Haney Hong. It was opposed by Reform California Chairman Carl DeMaio, San Diego County Tax Fighters Chairman Richard Rider and California Latino Voter Alliance Chairman Stevie Esparza. Goble, a retired business professional, said securing funding for fire and police through Measure J, addressing homelessness and ensuring roads and underground pipes are in good condition were his top priorities in the campaign. Hall said homelessness, economic opportunity and representation in the city were among her top priorities.