Coleen Cusack is an attorney and homeless advocate challenging Councilmember Stephen Whitburn for his seat representing residents of San Diego District 3, who live in downtown and near Balboa Park.

In the City of San Diego, No Party Preference voters (NPPs) outnumber Republican voters – 24% to 22% – with Democratic registered voters accounting for 47% of the voting population. 

Both Whitburn and Cusack are Democrats but it’s the former who has the advantage of incumbency and name ID, but Cusack has picked up some impressive endorsements and could challenge Whitburn on Election Day, especially if NPP voters rally in support of her.

The San Diego Union Tribune Editorial Board noted Whitburn is the clear favorite but then threw its support behind Cusack, saying she was particularly impressive in her endorsement interview. The newspaper said:

“She denounced how promises developers make on affordable housing are scaled back after city approvals are secured; expressed incredulity that the city had not made it a priority to prevent the closing of thousands of single-room occupancy units in recent years; and noted that prefab houses are available on Amazon for $23,000 at a time when government-subsidized housing routinely costs $500,000 or more. Cusack also makes a passionate case that criminalizing homelessness is ‘futile, expensive, counterproductive and cruel.’ She says the real goal of many leaders is swaying public perceptions, not solving problems,”

Whitburn counters: 

“I am seeking reelection because I have led efforts to reduce homelessness, construct affordable housing and add neighborhood improvements, and I want us to keep moving forward. To reduce street homelessness, I opened two safe sleeping sites. They have security, restrooms, showers, meals and connections to housing. Over 500 people have moved off the streets and into these sites. I have led the way on adding truly affordable housing that limits rents to 30 percent of tenants’ incomes.”

Cusack: The Challenger

Housing and homelessness, education, infrastructure, and personal safety are Cusack’s leading priorities, according to her campaign website. She is endorsed by numerous Democratic Clubs, Run Women Run, and homeless advocates.

“I am running as a 25-year resident of the district and 34-year resident of the city who never before aspired for political office. But lacking all faith and confidence in my elected representative, I am stepping up to do the job myself,” she said recently.

Whitburn: The Incumbent

Whitburn lists housing and homelessness and quality of life as his main priorities on his campaign website.

“Stephen successfully won passage of a new city law prohibiting encampments on public property when shelter beds are available. He opened safe sleeping sites, enabling people experiencing homelessness to move off the streets and into safe spaces offering security, restrooms, meals, and services. He also voted to create a rental assistance program that helps prevent homelessness altogether by enabling people to stay in their apartments,” his website says.

Whitburn is endorsed by the state and local Democratic Parties, labor groups, LGBTQ groups, and business groups.

What’s at stake?

Both candidates are Democrats, but the incumbent is known to frequently support Mayor Gloria and the mayor’s policy initiatives. It’s unlikely the mayor would want to lose that support, so look for him and the local Democratic Party to campaign heavily for Whitburn.

The winner wins the seat that represents downtown San Diego and surrounding urban neighborhoods, all grappling with the homeless crisis.