[1] After the primary San Diego City Council member Donna Frye entered the race as a write-in candidate for the November general election.

San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts received the second most votes and advanced to the general election alongside Murphy.

[5] Attorney Fred Woocher filed a lawsuit on behalf of three voters contesting Murphy's victory due to the 5,000 uncounted ballots.

On February 2, 2005, Judge Michael Brenner ruled that the unfilled ovals did not count as votes under California state law, ending the post-election litigation battle.

In the face of a deepening pension scandal that he was personally involved in, Murphy stated that San Diego needed a mayor with the support of the majority of residents and a clear mandate to lead the city out of its crisis.