He faced First District Rep. Oscar Malapitan of United Nationalist Alliance, and independents former Mayor Macario "Boy" Asistio Jr. and Dionisio "Diony" Guillarte.

Vice Mayor Edgar "Egay" Erice was not term-limited, but he chose to run for city's congressional race representing second district.

Varela faced Councilor Macario "Maca" Asistio III of Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, Roberto "Nani" Almeda of United Nationalist Alliance, and independents former Mayor Reynaldo "Rey" Malonzo, and Mariano Yu.

Younger Malapitan was challenged by Mayor Enrico "Recom" Echiverri of Liberal Party independents including former Rep. Roberto "Bobby" Guanzon, Maria Hernando, Milagros Libuton, Sandro Limpin, Imelda Pengson and Sirgea Villamayor.

Rep. Mary Mitzi "Mitch" Cajayon-Uy was defeated by Vice Mayor Edgar "Egay" Erice by a thin margin.