Republican Carl DeMaio’s campaign confirmed late Friday that he is speaking with supporters who are urging him to run for mayor now that disgraced San Diego Mayor Bob Filner has submitted his resignation.

If DeMaio runs for mayor — an office the former city councilmember lost to Filner by a slim margin last year — it would hurt the House GOP’s chances in the competitive 52nd District. The National Republican Congressional Committee had touted DeMaio as a top recruit against freshman Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif.Filner resigned after more than a dozen women accused him of sexual harassment. As the women continued to speak out about former House Democrat, local Republicans wondered if DeMaio would switch races. Even DeMaio acknowledged he was more focused on Filner’s ordeal than his own House race earlier this month.

In a Friday evening statement from his House campaign, DeMaio praised Filner’s departure.

“With Bob Filner’s resignation, San Diego has been given a fresh start,” he said. “Now is the time to put aside partisan differences to seek healing, foster unity and restore stability at City Hall. “

Also in the news release, DeMaio’s campaign added this about his political future:

On Friday, DeMaio’s office also confirmed reports that DeMaio has been conferring with various supporters and community leaders who have asked him to consider running for Mayor.

Lean Democrat