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

County supervisor Ron Roberts and superior court judge Dick Murphy received the most votes and advanced to the November general election.

With incumbent mayor Susan Golding termed out and ineligible to run, the primary election attracted a crowded field of candidates.

Despite Democrats in San Diego holding 39% to 36.5% lead in registered voters, all but one of the candidates considered serious contenders by the media were Republicans.

[5] Due to his advantages in fund raising, endorsements, political experience and his comfortable lead in the primary election Roberts was initially considered the front runner.