Special Mayoral Election Underscores San Diego's North/South Divide

The special mayoral election on Tuesday showed a split along party lines north and south of Interstate 8, the U-T San Diego reports, a pattern that has implications for future county-wide elections.

The U-T said I-8 has long been San Diego’s political dividing line, separating conservative voters in the north from left-leaning voters in the south.

Republican City Councilman Kevin Faulconer dominated the special election in voting precincts north of the highway while Democratic Councilman David Alvarez performed strongly in the south.

The U-T report echos a study last year that found San Diego's political center has moved from North County to south of Interstate 8 and Democrats are expected to enjoy advantages in future local politics.