It’s official: A total of 11 candidates have made it on to the ballot in the race to become San Diego’s next mayor.
On Tuesday, the San Diego City Clerk announced the names of the candidates that qualified for the ballot, including high-profile frontrunners Nathan Fletcher, David Alvarez, Mike Aguirre and Kevin Faulconer.
The other names that made the ballot include:
- Tobiah Pettus
- Hud Collins
- Bruce Coons
- Harry Dirks
- Michael Kemmer
- Simon Moghadam
- Lincoln Pickard
This group of 11 candidates was whittled from a list of 19 candidates who submitted paperwork and signatures during Friday’s important deadline.
Official statements filed by the candidates on Friday gave voters a glimpse into where they stand in the mayoral race.
Aguirre, for instance, had an interesting statement with promise to return the city to the people.
Meanwhile, Alvarez listed his big-name endorsements, from local leader Donna Frye to Assemblywoman Toni Atkins, and billed himself as a progressive leader for fair wages.
As for Faulconer, he stated that he’s a consensus builder and began his statement with a quote from former San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders.
Finally, Fletcher stressed that he’s a veteran and highlighted his work fighting for veteran’s rights. On Tuesday, Fletcher received an endorsement from State Senators Ben Hueso and Marty Block.
Although the special election isn’t until Nov. 19, a recent poll asking people who they would vote for right now shows Fletcher on top, with 30 percent of the vote. That same poll has Faulconer in second place with 22 percent of votes.
However, political analyst John Dadian says it's still early in the game.
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“When the direct mail comes out -- I know everybody hates it in their mailbox, 5 pieces per day -- that's when the poll numbers start shifting. Then we'll really have a good idea of who's standing in the polls.”
In the meantime, leaders of the local Democratic Party will meet Tuesday night to decide whether to endorse a candidate from their party.
Dadian says this particular endorsement is extremely valuable in the mayoral race.
“If anyone gets the Democratic county endorsement, clearly that's a huge advantage because they'll have some resources that the other candidates won't have, for example unlimited member communication. Anyone who's a democrat, they can send communications,” he explained.
A candidate needs 60% of the 71 central committee votes to earn the endorsement.
