Prior to 2008, there had been two openly gay members of the San Diego City Council: Christine Kehoe and Toni Atkins, both from the Third District.

In the November general election, Todd Gloria, joined him, resulting in the first occasion that two openly gay council members served concurrently.

Incumbent council member Toni Atkins was ineligible to run for reelection due to term limits.

Incumbent council member Brian Maienschein was ineligible to run for reelection due to term limits.

District 7 consisted of the communities of Allied Gardens, City Heights, College Area, Del Cerro, El Cerrito, Grantville, MCAS Miramar, Mission Trails Regional Park, Redwood Village – Oak Park, Rolando, San Carlos, Stonebridge Estates, and Tierrasanta.