By Gina Yarbrough
Carlsbad, CA– Kyle Krahel-Frolander, chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, announced Saturday he is resigning from his leadership role to launch a campaign for the District 5 seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
Krahel-Frolander announced his decision at the Carlsbad office of Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA 49), where he also confirmed he is stepping down as Levin’s deputy chief of staff and district director.
The Oceanside native said he initially sought potential Democratic candidates to run for the District 5 seat after Supervisor Jim Desmond announced earlier this year he would campaign for the 49th Congressional District in 2026. After several party leaders declined interest, Krahel-Frolander said he turned to Levin for guidance.
“Congressman Levin looked at me and said, ‘You should run, Kyle!’ Krahel-Frolander recalled. “I was shocked, but after thinking about it, I knew it was time to step up and serve in another capacity.”
Levin, who appeared alongside Krahel-Frolander, praised his longtime aide.
“He has the biggest heart. He’s in public service for all the right reasons,” Levin said. “We want people in public service because they care about a cause greater than their own self-interest.”
Krahel-Frolander has been involved in local politics for more than a decade. He served as vice chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party in 2012, and a founding member of the Alliance of Citizens to Improve Oceanside Neighborhoods, a nonpartisan homeowners’ advocacy group.
A graduate of El Camino High School, Krahel-Frolander emphasized his deep roots in the community, saying his decision to run stems from a commitment to representing North County residents.
