Seeking a Second Term, Todd Gloria Takes an Early Lead in San Diego Mayor’s Race

Incumbent Todd Gloria took a substantial early lead on Tuesday in his race for a second term as mayor of San Diego.

Gloria, who previously served on the City Council and in the state Assembly, was leading political newcomer Larry Turner, a Marine veteran and police officer, by 55.7% to 44.3% with nearly 856,000 ballots counted

After polling 50.0% in the March primary against four opponents, Gloria faced an unexpected challenge from Turner, who came in second at 23.1% and received then significant campaign contributions

Turner has attacked Gloria over homelessness and crime, and tapped longtime residents' frustration over new housing development. "Mayor Gloria's push to add housing density in already over-saturated communities knows no bounds and completely ignores community feedback," according to Turner's campaign website.

He said his Marine Corps training would help him address the homeless crisis, and promised to solve it "in the first 180 days of my tenure," by immediately directing the construction of 5,000 shelter beds.

Gloria has touted his administration's efforts to build more housing, repair the city's aging infrastructure and provide more shelters for the homeless. And he backed a new ordinance to clear encampments.

"Mayor Gloria understands that tackling this crisis requires a balanced approach — one that treats those experiencing homelessness with dignity and compassion, while also ensuring that public spaces are safe and accessible for everyone," a statement from his campaign reads.

In September, local attorney Steven Richter donated $1 million to the conservative Lincoln Club of San Diego's political action committee, with much of that going toward Turner's campaign.

But Democrats quickly responded by raising $800,000 for Gloria through a political action committee led by Stephen Cushman, who worked with the Mayor on a proposed "megashelter" at Kettner and Vine.

Gloria has been endorsed by the San Diego Police Officer's Association, which called out Turner for suggesting a freeze on hiring of new officers.