Busby Named Chairwoman of San Diego County Democratic Party

Onetime congressional candidate Francine Busby will be the new chairwoman of the San Diego County Democratic Party, succeeding Jess Durfee, the organization announced.   

Busby was elected to take over the position at a meeting Tuesday, and Durfee was named chairman emeritus.   

The Cardiff by the Sea resident fell short in three congressional campaigns against Republicans and later became executive director of Run Women Run, an organization that mentors, trains, and supports pro-choice women for elected office.

“I am honored to follow in Jess Durfee's footsteps,” Busby said. “I hope to build on our success to bring positive and progressive change that will benefit all San Diegans.”   

Durfee served as the county Democratic leader for nine years, helping elect former Rep. Bob Filner as mayor of San Diego, ex-Port Commissioner Scott Peters to Congress and then-Solana Beach Councilman Dave Roberts to the Board of Supervisors.   

The mayoral victory by Filner was the first by a Democrat in San Diego since 1988. The Board of Supervisors had been made up of the same five Republicans for 17 years.

— City News Service