SD Pride Ex-Director Stephen Whitburn Plans City Council Run

SAN DIEGO, CA – The former executive director of San Diego Pride announced Tuesday his 2020 candidacy for the San Diego City Council District 3 seat.

Stephen Whitburn, 54, ran for the seat in 2008 in hopes of succeeding the termed-out Toni Atkins, who's now a state senator.

Whitburn, who finished second in the primary and went on to lose to Todd Gloria in the general election by a margin of 54.6 to 45.4 percent, said his previous bid makes him better equipped to run a second time.

He currently works for the American Cancer Society, overseeing philanthropic efforts for cancer patients throughout Southern California.

"We live in a beautiful city with vibrant neighborhoods, a bustling downtown and iconic Balboa Park," Whitburn said. "Still, there are problems that have yet to be solved. Housing prices have soared, homelessness has increased, hard-working people struggle to make ends meet and our neighborhoods need attention."

District 3 encompasses downtown San Diego as well as surrounding areas such as Balboa Park, Hillcrest, North Park, South Park and University Heights. Councilman Chris Ward currently represents the district and is eligible to serve one more four-year term.

Whitburn is a registered Democrat, as is Ward. The council is technically nonpartisan.

"Our city is at a crossroads," Whitburn said. "We need strong leaders who will work with the people they represent and with each other to build consensus and move towards solutions."

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--City News Service/Photo courtesy of Stephen Whitburn on Facebook