The special election was necessary due to former mayor Pete Wilson's resignation to take a seat in the United States Senate.

Municipal elections in California are officially non-partisan, though some candidates do receive funding and support from various political parties.

In November 1982, San Diego Mayor Pete Wilson was elected to the United States Senate representing California.

Former city council member Maureen O'Connor, a Democrat, was considered the early front-runner and likely to advance to a runoff election, if not win the first round outright.

[4] In her campaign, O'Connor proposed freezing utility rates, focusing on creating jobs, and improving public transportation.