KPBS ran a solid rundown on San Diego´s mayoral race this week, and here's our take....
Incumbent Kevin Faluconer faces a couple challengers, including a former state legislator and a city Lifeguard who actually took Faluconer´s council seat when he became mayor several years ago.
Some interesting things at play here. One, Faulconer, who came to office in the wake of the Bob Filner scandal, is that rarest of breeds, a Republican Big City Mayor. San DIego has a history of this of course, as it does in sending these officials to statewide office. It is just this pedigree that has some questioning whether the mayor is already eyeing the 2018 Governor´s race. His official line is that he´s running as mayor to serve as Mayor.
Among his opponents is Lori Saldaña, who served in the Assembly from 2004 to 2010, when term limits prevented her from seeking re-election. Formerly a Democrat, she is now a No Party Preference voter. Perhaps most notably she co-authored the Global Warming Solutions Act -- AB 32. This brings her considerable environmental pedigree.
The third candidate is Ed Harris, who is a leader in the city´s lifeguard union. Appointed to Faulconer´s former council seat, he has criticized the mayor for not being proactive in the face of attrition in the ranks of public safety (including lifeguards).
And all of this takes place against the backdrop of the potential Chargers move. The ¨Chargers Vote" could be decisive, and the mayor has been critical of stadium plans thus far.
Primary is June 7, if the Mayor can grab 50 +1 he'll avoid the runoff... else we do it again top two in November.