Incumbent Mayor Charles Dail did not stand for reelection due to failing health and declining power related to a recall attempt.

The election drew a crowded field, including three members of the San Diego City Council: Frank Curran, Helen Cobb, and Alan Hitch.

Other major contenders included David Casey, an attorney, and Murray Goodrich, a surplus aircraft parts dealer and aluminum smelter.

Because no candidate received a majority of the vote, a runoff election was held between the top two finishers, Curran and Goodrich.

On November 5, 1963, Curran received a majority of 63.6 percent of the vote in the runoff and was elected to the office of the mayor.