Gretchen Newsom, president of the Ocean Beach Town Council and local community leader, has announced her candidacy to run for mayor of San Diego in 2016.
Newsom made the announcement at the San Diego County Democratic Convention Sunday.
"I'm running for Mayor because San Diego deserves a leader who will stand up for our communities," Newsom said in a statement. "I am committed to the values that are important to us, and I have a vision for a better San Diego that will build bridges of opportunity for all."
Newsom will challenge current San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer come next year.
During her announcement, she released ways in which she would acheive her goal to "raise" San Diego, saying she wants to create a government that is more responsive, affordable, innovative, sustainable and empowering.
In a statement, Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party Francine Busby praised Newsom's decision.
"She is an experienced, informed, and articulate leader who is committed to the values that are important to San Diegans," Busby said. "She will be a formidable challenger to Mayor Faulconer."
