A Race to Be the Outsider in Southeastern Council District

The fight between two Democrats for the southeastern San Diego City Council seat is shaping up to be among the most contentious City Council races this year.  

Newcomer Martha Abraham represents a new era of politics to come to the district – one that distrusts City Hall, largely opposes new development and has garnered significant support outside of the district. She recently secured an endorsement from the union that represents city firefighters after they pulled their endorsement of Foster.  

Current Councilmember Henry Foster is the former chief of staff of the district’s previous representative: now-County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe. He wants to continue to secure funding for core services like libraries, stormwater infrastructure and rec centers. He has fought vigorously with Mayor Todd Gloria on development and funding issues – and recently suggested the mayor should consider stepping down.  

On Saturday, Oct. 3, I’ll be moderating a discussion between both candidates at Voice of San Diego’s Politifest at the University of San Diego.  

The candidates have fierce camps of supporters, and community members are split on what kind of leadership they want for the district, as I wrote in an analysis of the race last week.  

In the last few weeks, Abraham has stepped up her presence on social media. She called out the temporary status of the Skyline Hills Fire Station (which operates out of a tent) and did a video to wish the district a Happy Hispanic Heritage Month (the first Spanish-language outreach I’ve seen in this race thus far.) Abraham and Foster had a community forum in Emerald Hills this past weekend, but according to the OB Rag Foster was a no show.  

I asked both candidates to prepare their solutions to the district’s biggest problems. What’s their plan for stormwater infrastructure? How would they create more affordable housing for residents?  

It’ll be all that and more at this year’s Politifest: Elections Showdown. Grab your tickets here!  

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