Roundtable: The Race To Replace San Diego's Mayor

The Race To Replace San Diego's Mayor

This look at San Diego politics and the city's ability to solve big problems -- homelessness, housing affordability, infrastructure -- through the 2020 races for mayor and city council includes some speculation on what's ahead for Mayor Kevin Faulconer.

Read More

Listen • 25:58

For the last couple decades, the California Republican Party has been gasping for breath as the state has turned more and more blue. Could outgoing Mayor Kevin Faulconer be the party's last great hope for statewide office?

Democrats dominate mayor's race

Three of the four leading candidates for mayor of San Diego are Democrats. Voters may see only Democrats on the November ballot because only the top two vote-getters in the primary will advance to November. As of this month 43% of voters in the city of San Diego are registered Democrats, 21% are Republicans and 30% not affiliated with any party. Todd Gloria, Barbara Bry, and Tasha Williamson are Democrats, and Scott Sherman is a Republican. All but Williamson are former or current council members.

RELATED: Two Establishment Democrats, A Republican And An Outsider Vying For San Diego Mayor

San Diego City Council District 1

Eight candidates are running for Barbara Bry's City Council District 1 seat. Not one of them is a Republican. That was historically not the case for the district, which includes La Jolla, University City and Carmel Valley, but the situation mirrors a countywide shift. There are four main candidates in the district: retired firefighter Aaron Brennan, small-business attorney Will Moore, Harid Puentes, founder of a “start-up accelerator,” and Joe LaCava, a civil engineer and community activist. Issues are housing, streets and technology.

RELATED: Different Shades Of Blue In City Council District 1 Race

San Diego City Council District 7

Residents of Linda Vista, Mission Valley, Allied Gardens and Tierrasanta will choose between three Democrats and one Republican to replace termed-out Republican Councilman Scott Sherman, who is running for mayor. Democrats already enjoy a 6-3 majority on the council, and recent voter registration numbers indicate that District 7 gives them a good chance at increasing their advantage. Homelessness tops the list of issues in the district for Wendy Wheatcroft, Noli Zoza and Raul Campillo. For Monty McIntyre it’s City Hall decision-making.

RELATED: San Diego’s District 7 Race Features Four Political Newcomers