Republican City Councilmember Kevin Faulconer was elected to serve as San Diego's next mayor Tuesday.
Special Section: Race for Mayor
With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Faulconer earned 54.5 percent of the vote. Democrat City Councilmember David Alvarez had 45.5 percent. Results show 137,296 votes for Faulconer and 114,478 for Alvarez.
The Registrar of Voters notes that some 36,000 mail and provisional ballots still need to be counted.
Just before midnight, his opponent Alvarez tweeted:
I want to congratulate Kevin Faulconer. It's clear that he will be the next Mayor of San Diego. I look forward to working with him.
Before Alvarez conceded, both candidates held parties Tuesday night where they thanked enthusiastic supporters.
"While we don't know the final outcome tonight, this is clear: We have changed San Diego," said Alvarez at his gathering in Barrio Logan.
During his speech, Faulconer made a promise to neighborhoods.
"We will invest where we need the help. We'll work together. We'll come together as San Diegans," Faulconer said.
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On Wednesday, Alvarez released the following statement:
“First of all, thank you to my volunteers and supporters from a across San Diego. We all share similar values, and have a vision for a San Diego that leaves no one behind. I will continue fighting for that vision,” said Alvarez. “Congratulations to Kevin Faulconer. I look forward to working with him and all San Diegans to move our city forward.”
The candidates were out in full force during the day, in a last-minute effort to get voters to the polls.
Alvarez attended 10 public events before going to work the phones at his Kearny Mesa office. Alvarez told NBC 7 he planned to make calls and knock on doors until the polls closed at 8 p.m.
About 200 volunteers spent Election Day campaigning for Faulconer. Faulconer also made phone calls at his headquarters in the Morena area.
Faulconer will be sworn in March 3.
He will replace former mayor Bob Filner who resigned in August, two months before pleading guilty to criminal charges.
Filner was sentenced to house arrest for felony false imprisonment and two misdemeanor charges of battery involving three women.
