Poll Shows Faulconer Leads Alvarez in Race for San Diego Mayor

San Diego City Councilman Kevin Faulconer has taken the lead in the race to become the city's next mayor, with the backing 53 percent of those polled, compared to 37 percent who said they would likely vote for fellow Councilman David Alvarez, according to the results of a 10News/U-T San Diego released today.

A similar poll of 515 likely voters conducted by SurveyUSA last month showed Faulconer and Alvarez in a near tie, with 47 and 46 percent of the likely votes, respectively, headed toward the Feb. 11 runoff election to replace former Mayor Bob Filner.

The poll showed Faulconer, a Republican, had about twice the support from likely voters who live north of Interstate 8. Falconer and Alvarez, a Democrat, were about even with likely voters south of Interstate 8, 10News reported.

Alvarez's backing fell among men, 35- to 49-year-olds, along with black and white voters. He edged out against Faulconer with black, Hispanic, Democratic and liberal voters, and those earning less than $40,000 a year, U-T San Diego reported.

Faulconer made gains among moderates.

Faulconer's backing included 84 percent of Republicans, compared to Alvarez's backing from 65 percent of Democrats, U-T San Diego reported.