How often is Mayor elected?

The position of Mayor is typically elected every 4 years.

What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?

Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation on the ballot.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in California?

Filing fee is $$500. Petition signature requirement is 200 (or 2200 to qualify without a filing fee)

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the county registrar of voters' office.

Where is the filing office?

5600 Overland Ave, San Diego, CA 92123

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 858-505-7260.

How do I get started running for Mayor?

You can start running for Mayor by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for Mayor does not include a primary or runoff election.

How to Run for Mayor in San Diego, San Diego County, California

About Mayor

About this position

The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the municipality. They often preside over council meetings and may have the power to hire and fire heads of municipal departments.

Office level: City
Election frequency: Every 4 years
Typical salary: $100,464 / year
Commitment level: Part Time
Affiliation: Nonpartisan

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for Mayor

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Must be a registered voter of the district you want to serve for at least 30 days prior to the date you file your nomination papers and a resident and registered voter of that district at the time of assuming the office.
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Filing fee is $$500. Petition signature requirement is 200 (or 2200 to qualify without a filing fee)
Filing period
July 15, 2024 - August 9, 2024
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the county registrar of voters' office.
Where to file
5600 Overland Ave, San Diego, CA 92123
Filing phone
858-505-7260
Step 3
Launch your campaign
A real campaign starts with a real plan. Get a custom campaign plan from GoodParty.org, personalized for your race and district.
Get started

Need help? You don't have to run alone. Join the GoodParty.org Community to get advice from real independents who have run and won.

Candidates for Mayor

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for Mayor.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Who's currently in office

Learn about who represents you in San Diego.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.