Kevin Faulconer headed for runoff in San Diego mayor’s race

SAN DIEGO -- Councilman Kevin Faulconer was headed for a runoff election with either former Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher or Councilman David Alvarez to succeed the disgraced Bob Filner as mayor.

While Faulconer, 46, the only Republican among major candidates, had a large lead, he appeared to lack the 50% plus one vote needed to win the job without a runoff.

Fletcher, 36, was in a virtual deadlock with Alvarez, 33, a fellow Democrat. A third Democrat, former City Atty. Mike Aguirre, 64, lagged behind. There were also seven minor candidates and one write-in.

The runoff would be held early next year, possibly in early February. Council President Todd Gloria is the acting mayor until a successor is chosen for Filner.

Filner resigned Aug. 30 amid a flurry of accusations that he sexually harassed women.

The 71-year-old former 10-term congressman, the city’s first Democratic mayor in two decades, later pleaded guilty to one felony and two misdemeanor counts. Under a plea bargain with prosecutors, he will not face time in jail or prison but will be subject to home confinement for three months.

Possibly to differentiate themselves from the confrontational Filner, the major candidates to succeed him were, with some small exceptions, scrupulously polite with each other during dozens of mayoral forums.

The candidates focused on the city’s needs for road repair, more police officers and rules that better encourage private-sector job growth.

While Democrats hold an increasing edge in voter registration, a low voter turnout appeared to favor Faulconer. Also, a review of the requests for early ballots indicated a strong tilt toward Republicans.

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tony.perry@latimes.com