Mara Woodworth Elliott[2] (born October 3, 1968) is an American lawyer and politician who served as the San Diego City Attorney from 2016 to 2024.

[7] The incumbent city attorney Jan Goldsmith, her former boss, could no longer run after 8 years in the position due to term limits.

Elliott said she hoped to make the position less politicized, and take on a role as legal counsel for the San Diego City Council and mayor as opposed to being a public figure.

[13] Elliott successfully compelled the City Council to sign amicus briefs which show support for gay rights and transgender students in cases before the Supreme Court.

[13] Elliott was asked by councilman David Alvarez about the extent of power by a San Diego mayor to change the city budget.

Mayor Faulconer tried to earmark an extra $5 million in the city budget to fund a special election to expand the San Diego Convention Center and re-purpose Qualcomm Stadium.

She has said, "The experience in other jurisdictions shows that the evidence in untested kits can prove valuable in solving cold cases and identifying serial rapists.