Sean Elo-Rivera is running for re-election to represent the residents of District 9 in the City of San Diego. While he faces a challenger in Terry Hoskins, this is not expected to be a competitive race.

In San Diego, No Party Preference voters (NPPs) outnumber Republican voters – 24% to 22% – with Democratic registered voters accounting for 47% of the voting population. Both Elo-Rivera and Hoskins are Democrats, but it’s the former who has the clear advantage of incumbency, name ID, endorsements and more.

“I am running for City Council because District 9 has been unrepresentative for the past seven-plus years,” Hoskins told the San Diego Union-Tribune in February. 

“As a retired community relations officer, I know firsthand the struggles of our neighbors with City Hall and the potential our communities have to offer. I know the serious issues we face, from public safety, homelessness, housing, growing our local economy and bringing our communities together. My leadership experience in the U.S. Marine Corps, community relations experiences with the San Diego Police Department and academic experiences as I worked to get my Ph.D. in public administration make me uniquely qualified to serve you on your City Council.”

Elo-Rivera told the newspaper: “I am running for reelection because my work with the community is not done. I am the best candidate because I have proven to be an effective leader who fights to transform community ideals into legislative results.”

“I advanced housing stability by leading on and passing the Tenant Protection Ordinance and spearheading the creation of the Housing Instability Prevention Fund. I have been the most consistent supporter of policy that expands housing opportunity while demanding more inclusive development. I also stayed true to my commitment to prioritize racial justice, have challenged continued policing inequities and have never cowered from our city’s biggest issues. I will continue to make meaningful, significant changes in my second term.”

A progressive Democrat with a strong base of support, look for Elo-Rivera to try and persuade undecided and NPP voters to support his candidacy. Political insiders believe he has ambitions beyond City Council and if so he will need to appeal to a wider portion of the electorate.

Hoskins: The Veteran Marine Challenger

The first in his family to graduate high school and the only child to attend a university, Hoskins enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 1983 and served with distinction until retiring as Sergeant Major in September 2008, according to his campaign website. 

He then joined the San Diego Police Department as an officer and in 2013 he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award and the Lifesaving Medal for actions involving the shooting of a fellow officer by an armed-and-dangerous felony fugitive.

His campaign is focused on no new taxes, reducing homelessness, housing, and public safety.

“San Diego has spent millions on this issue, worsening the (homeless) situation. Housing first needs to be (followed by) shelter first,” Hoskins said. “Shelter first, enroll in dependency programs, and then successfully transition into housing with the ability to be successful.”

Elo-Rivera: The Incumbent Council President

“Sean’s number one priority for his second term is taking on the cost-of-living crisis that is making it so tough for so many San Diegans to get by,” his campaign website says.

 “From housing costs to groceries and child care, Sean is working to make San Diego more affordable and provide every neighborhood with the respect of quality city services.”

He is endorsed by the San Diego County Democratic Party, Planned Parenthood, labor groups, gun violence prevention groups, and others.

The City Council recently unanimously elected Elo-Rivera to serve a second term as City Council President. The platform makes him the second most powerful person at City Hall.

“I am proud of the City Council’s work the past year and I look forward to continuing to serve as Council President to ensure we, collectively, are doing all we can to better the lives of our constituents,” Elo-Rivera said.

What’s at Stake?

A win by Hoskins, while unlikely, would not change the partisan power dynamics of the City Council because he and Elo-Rivera are both Democrats, but Mayor Todd Gloria could find an ally in Hoskins were he to win. Elo-Rivera, who sets the council agenda as president, is not always on the same side of issues as Mayor Gloria. 

Elo-Rivera is seeking a second 4-year term that he is expected to win without much of a fight.