San Diego’s scandal-ridden mayor Bob Filner has finally agreed to step down.
NBC 7 News reported that Filner was spotted leaving City Hall with packed boxes Wednesday night, and that he will formally announce his resignation at a closed City Council session Friday.
Filner’s expected resignation follows more than six weeks of sexual harassment accusations from more than a dozen women. Filner did admit to sometimes disrespecting women and for being “intimidating,” but promised to seek therapy and denied rumors that he was planning to resign.
But pressure from within his own party and other investigations into supposed “pay to play” deals he had made with developers apparently led to his decision to step down.
Additionally, his resignation is part of a “deal” made with city officials to solve the scandal’s impact on San Diego, and it is implied that said officials also pressured him to resign .
Once he’s out, the San Diego city government will appoint an interim leader. Council President Todd Gloria will become the temporary mayor of the city, allowing Councilmember Kevin Faulconer to take his place as council president. This will create a 4-to-4 split on the council between Democrats and Republicans.
After 60 to 90 days, a primary special election to formally replace Bob Filner will likely be held.
