Escondido, CA — Dane White, a local small business owner and elected member of the Escondido Union High School District Board of Trustees, has announced his campaign for Mayor of Escondido in 2022.
Dane released the following statement describing his decision: “Escondido is at a crossroads. Crime is on the rise, the homeless issue isn’t improving, and small businesses continue to struggle. We need new leadership that can bring people together and get Escondido back on track.
I never expected to run for Mayor. When I was young, I suffered from my own poor decision making. I ended up in the foster care system and was even homeless for a period of time. I overcame those obstacles, started my own business, and have been able to create a good life for my family right here in Escondido.
I am running for Mayor to help more people who struggled like I did overcome their obstacles and embrace the opportunity of our community.”
Dane White is a fifth generation Escondido resident. Dane overcame the foster care system and homelessness by learning a trade and beginning a career in construction. Working his way up, Dane eventually started his own small business that provides construction services and property management to local residents and businesses.
Dane was elected to the Escondido Union High School Board in 2016. Throughout his term, Dane has worked to ensure fiscal responsibility, invest in campus improvements, balance the annual budget, and expand opportunities for vocational and trade education. As President of EUHSD throughout 2020, Dane was widely praised for his leadership in bringing teachers unions and parents groups together during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the support of a diverse group of seemingly divergent stakeholders, Dane was reelected by a record-setting margin in November 2020.
Dane White has already received the support of elected officials and community leaders across Escondido. Deputy Mayor Mike Morasco announced his support, stating “As a school board member, Dane has shown a unique ability to bring people together and get things done for the students and families of Escondido. That’s exactly the kind of leadership we need at City Hall.”
Escondido City Treasurer Doug Schultz joined in, adding “Dane understands how to make tough decisions, balance budgets and maintain fiscal responsibility. He did it on the school board and our community would be well served with his responsible leadership at City Hall.”
Dane previously managed a facility treating individuals suffering from addition and mental health issues and is actively involved with his local church— helping run addiction recovery programs and assisting with youth activities.
Dane lives in East Escondido with his wife Kelsey, a special education teacher, and their two daughters SonnyJan and Hattie. He is running for Mayor of Escondido in the 2022 General Election.
