San Diego City Wire

Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, considering a "likely run for governor," recently talked with area news outlets about his legacy as mayor, including police reform, fire investments, housing, infrastructure and homelessness.

Faulconer, a Republican who gave up his seat Dec. 10 to Democrat Todd Gloria, told KUSI News two days earlier that he'd had time to reflect on what it means to end his time as mayor in the age of COVID-19.

"There's no doubt in my mind that we are going to get over this," Faulconer said during the news broadcast. "We will get through this because of the perseverance, of who we are as San Diegans."

Current San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria | sandiego.gov/mayor

Faulconer also discussed the highlights of his time as mayor and the hopes for his legacy. He said he will "usually leave the legacy stuff for others" but that it has "been a real privilege to serve."

"I really tried to set the tone as mayor," Faulconer said. "When I came in at a very difficult time some years back, [my goal was] bringing our city together. Making that focus of one San Diego a reality. As I look back on a lot of the accomplishments, a lot of people get the credit. My job, again, was to work with folks - I don't care if you were a Republican or a Democrat or independent - what was the best thing we should be doing for San Diego."

Faulconer recalled the emphasis on infrastructure, "paving more streets than we ever had in the history of our city," trying to reduce homelessness and work on public safety "to be one of America's safest cities."

Faulconer, sworn in as mayor in February 2014 after representing District 2 on San Diego City Council the previous 12 years, did not seek re-election this year.

The Los Angeles Times, in its Monday edition, quoted analysts who believe Faulconer's potential run for governor "would be a test of state’s political temperature."

If Faulconer does run for governor, it isn't clear who his opponents would be. Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing a sixth recall effort, the previous five having failed.

In one of his last public appearances as mayor, Faulconer joined City Attorney Mara Elliott, San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit and hundreds of other volunteers who handed out plates of food during the Salvation Army and LGBT Center's annual Thanksgiving Day meal at the Convention Center.

That day, Faulconer told The San Diego Union-Tribune that the compassion at the event represented the city's best.

"There's a lot of people in need, yes," Faulconer said in a story published on Nov. 28. "Yet you'll also see smiles on people's faces for not only the food but because people have been brought together."

Shortly after Gloria was sworn in, becoming the city's first openly gay mayor and the first person of color to hold that seat, Faulconer posted a YouTube video with an outgoing message to San Diegans.

"It's been the honor of my life to serve you," Faulconer said in the video. "Together we restored dignity and pride to our city. As a guy who started off cleaning carpets and volunteering on the Park & Rec board, I didn't expect this journey. I've loved every moment. Thank you, San Diego."