Democrat runoff in southeastern San Diego City Council race divides unions and leaders

A Democratic runoff race for the southeastern San Diego City Council seat is drawing divided support from unions, city leaders, and business groups, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Challenger Martha Abraham, a neonatal nurse, is gaining momentum against incumbent Henry Foster III. Abraham has received endorsements from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Partnership, and the United Nurses Associations of California political action committee, which is new to city politics.

Foster is supported by domestic workers, including a $29,000 contribution from the United Domestic Workers of America, and the Municipal Employees Association, which represents over 40% of city workers. The city’s firefighters union backs Abraham, showing a split among labor groups.

Mayor Todd Gloria is reportedly rallying opposition to Foster, who has been a vocal critic of the mayor, while the council’s most progressive members support Foster. Abraham has stated she is not aligned with groups opposing the city's upzoning policies, despite receiving backing from groups that generally oppose dense housing development.

If Abraham wins, she would be the first nurse to serve on the San Diego City Council and only the third incumbent to lose a council race since 1992.

The race highlights the complex political dynamics in southeastern San Diego, with new players and divided endorsements shaping the contest.