Obama endorses Alvarez for mayor

President Barack Obama weighed in on the San Diego mayoral race Saturday, endorsing Democrat and first-term City Councilman David Alvarez over his Republican rival, Councilman Kevin Faulconer, three days before Election Day.

“As a native San Diegan, David Alvarez has been a fierce advocate for his city, and on the council, has led efforts to build a strong middle class, put neighborhoods first and expand opportunities for kids in and out of school,” Obama said in a statement. “Today, with the city’s economy and neighborhoods poised to make progress there is no question that David is the right choice to be San Diego’s next mayor and I am excited to support him.”

A White House official called Alvarez with the news Saturday morning, according to a campaign spokesman, and the candidate quickly announced the endorsement on social media.

“Thank you President @BarackObama for your endorsement,” Alvarez wrote on his Twitter account. “I’m truly honored.”

Alvarez campaign spokesman Stephen Heverly said the endorsement began paying off within hours.

“The news is already creating a positive wave in the campaign,” he said. “Our volunteers and supporters are beside themselves.”

A spokesman for the Faulconer campaign issued a statement saying Faulconer is proud to have the support of local San Diegans.

Commenters on Twitter debated whether the Obama endorsement would help or hinder the Alvarez campaign. In 2012, Obama won just over 61 percent of the vote in the city.

Presidential endorsements in mayoral campaigns are infrequent but not uncommon.

Earlier this year Obama endorsed New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu for re-election, and in September he announced his support for New York City mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio, who subsequently won.