Report: Filner Expected To File Today For San Diego Mayoral Race
Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., is expected to file today for next year's San Diego mayoral race, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
With the already-crowded contest slated for next June, Filner couldn't run for reelection to his House seat as well, making him the eleventh current representative to seek another office next cycle.
And it appears Filner is already eying that contest next year anyway - with 10News San Diego reporting that the 10-term congressman has actually moved out of Chula Vista in his 51st congressional district and instead into downtown San Diego as he ramps up for a run.
Filner's office has not responded to a request for comment from Hotline On Call, and several other local papers also noted the congressman's office has not commented on either his expected filing or his move.
One reason for Filner to look at a different office is the impending redistricting in the Golden State. The first maps are due out Friday, and Filner's Imperial County seat has seen high Hispanic growth - and he could face a primary challenge. His old primary foe, now-state Sen. Juan Carlos Vargas, who has challenged him three times before, could be looking at the race. If Filner does exit, several other Democrats would also likely take a hard look at this seat.
However, Filner wouldn't have a clear shot in the mayoral race either. As many as four contenders are already eying the race, and outgoing San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders endorsed District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis as his choice of successor on Tuesday.
