LOS ANGELES - Now that San Diego Mayor Bob Filner has resigned, candidates are stepping forward to vie for the seat.
Republican City Councilman Kevin Faulconer announced Sept. 4 that he plans to run in the special election that will be held on Nov. 19, according to a report from UT San Diego. Former Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, a Democrat, also has thrown his hat into the ring. Former City Attorney Michael Aguirre also plans to run, according to news reports.
Filner resigned effective Aug. 30 after nearly a dozen women came forward this summer with allegations of sexual harassment.
In the days following Filner’s announcement, the field appeared light with neither Council President Todd Gloria, a Democrat now serving as interim mayor, nor City Councilman Carl DeMaio, who was Filner’s strongest opponent in last year’s election, stepping forward. DeMaio has said he plans to run for Congress.
Last year, a crowded fielded vied for the mayoral position with Filner the winner.
Gloria has said he wants to focus as council president on getting the city back on the path it was on before the controversies surrounding the Filner administration overtook the more traditional work done by city officials, according to news reports.
