Charles F. O'Neall and George Marston received the most votes in the primary election and advanced to the runoff.

Incumbent Mayor James E. Wadham chose not to run for re-election to focus on his legal business and at the urging of his wife.

[4] Contestants for the open seat included Charles F. O'Neall, a Republican, George Marston, a Progressive running as a non-partisan candidate, and Jacob Beckel, a Socialist.

[5] In the campaign, Marston emphasized projects that would lead to a beautiful and prosperous city, including harbor improvements, a new dry dock, a navy center and a railroad to Arizona.

[1] On March 25, 1913, O'Neall and Marston received the two highest vote totals in the primary and advanced to the general election.