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

Former San Diego City Council member Maureen O'Connor and current council member Bill Cleator received the most votes and advanced to the June runoff.

[1] The special election to replace Hedgecock attracted a crowded field of candidates.

The three candidates considered front-runners were San Diego City Council member Bill Cleator, a Republican, and former council members Maureen O'Connor and Floyd Morrow, both Democrats.

[2] Acting mayor Ed Struiksma initially filed to run for election, but dropped out of the race after learning that he would be subject of a criminal investigation related to allegedly fabricated expense accounts.