Dec 9, 2024 - Politics

San Diego to select new city council president

Andrew Keatts

Illustration of a half-circle table with chairs around it over a blue background with elements of ballots. — Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

It's inauguration day for city of San Diego officials, and the first major decision for the new city council will come immediately after they're sworn in: Picking the next council president.

Why it matters: The position wields significant influence, determining which items reach the docket and assigning other members to committees that guide the city's policy direction.

The intrigue: Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, who won reelection in District 9 last month, has already said he is not seeking another term in the role.

Councilmember Joe LaCava, who won reelection in District 1, is the odds-on favorite to take over as council president.
Councilmember Kent Lee, entering his third year representing District 6, has been the other contender in the weeks since the election.

State of play: LaCava appeared alongside Mayor Todd Gloria last week to outline the city's dire budget situation and how the council could respond to it.

The council narrowly reelected Elo–Rivera last year during a vote that revealed divisions on the all-Democrat body, with some accusing him of shutting out residents and others arguing he had pushed the council to be a more assertive force in City Hall.

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San Diego to select new city council president

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