The Unsubstantiated Rumor Surrounding Mayor Todd Gloria and President Kamala Harris
The hottest and most unsubstantiated rumor in San Diego politics right now is that Mayor Todd Gloria is poised to take a position in the administration of a President Kamala Harris, should she actually win the presidential race.
Its origin seems to be only that Gloria and Harris are perceived to be close. The Union-Tribune this week wrote about their relationship, making the case it was something more than acquaintanceship and yet just less than friendship. Here’s how the newspaper made the distinction (a distinction we had a little fun with on the podcast):
“While their personal relationship hasn’t risen to the level of exchanging birthday presents or asking each other for health advice, Gloria said Harris has consistently been a key person for him,” the U-T’s David Garrick wrote.
You know you’re close when you’re comparing notes on how to treat a bunion, amirite?
But that doesn’t stop us from speculating on the possibility of Gloria serving in a Harris Administration. Shawn Van Diver, a progressive activist close to the Harris-Walz campaign, said it would be natural for people to think of Gloria as a candidate for a good post in a Harris Administration but he hasn’t heard anything.
“There are a lot of people measuring the drapes but I don’t think he is one of them,” Van Diver said. “Is there speculation he would be on the shortlist? Yeah. I would expect him to be. We’re seeing a generational shift and he is part of it.”
Close Bond and Unburdened Support
In the U-T story, Gloria expressed his gratitude to Harris for supporting his mayoral campaign in 2020. Her quote about him emphasized their shared vision for a better future and a sense of being ‘unburdened by what we have been.’
However, Gloria’s absence from speaking at the Democratic Convention raised some eyebrows. While he did not get a speaking opportunity, he continued to show his support for Harris and the Biden-Harris ticket.
Speculations and Potential Contenders
If Gloria were to leave his second term early for a position in the Harris Administration, it would lead to a special election in San Diego. Rep. Scott Peters, who was also in Chicago alongside Gloria, could be one of the top contenders for the mayoral seat.
Interview with Rep. Scott Peters
After the DNC, I caught up with Rep. Scott Peters to discuss the current political landscape and his thoughts on the Biden-Harris ticket. Here is a glimpse of our conversation:
Politics Report: Did you have any idea this would be how things turned out a month after you first called for change on the ticket?
Scott Peters: “I thought it would be better, but I didn’t think it would be this good. This is the convention I wanted. It has been flawless — she’s done an amazing job.”
Rep. Peters praised Harris for her leadership and ability to gather support swiftly, highlighting the positive energy she has brought to the campaign.
Politics Report: What could change for San Diego if Harris wins or Trump wins?
Scott Peters: “We’ll see much more rational conversations and policies about the border when we elect Kamala versus if Trump won.”
If you have any feedback or ideas for the Politics Report, send them to scott.lewis@voiceofsandiego.org.
