The San Diego City Council has filled the vacant council seat left by Kevin Faulconer when he became mayor.
On Monday, council appointed and swore in Democrat Ed Harris, a lifeguard union chief.
The mostly Democratic council was expected to choose a Democrat, even though the seat was last held by a Republican.
Although council seats are technically non-partisan, this appointment means there are now six Democrats and two Republicans on council. Six votes are needed to overrule a mayoral veto.
Harris will represent District 2 until December and will not be allowed to run for the seat again in the general election.
Seventeen candidates vied for the position.
District 2 encompasses Bay Ho, Bay Park, Morena, Midway, North Bay, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach and Point Loma.
