Chris Ward, chief of staff to Sen. Marty Block, officially entered the race Thursday for Todd Gloria's District 3 seat on the San Diego City Council.
Ward said he has received endorsements from Assembly Speaker and former District 3 Councilwoman Toni Atkins, current San Diego City Council members David Alvarez and Myrtle Cole and Assemblywomen Shirley Weber and Lorena Gonzalez, among others.
Ward previously worked as an environmental planner and as a cancer researcher at UCSD.
Anthony Bernal, who is a staff member in Gloria's office, running business and community projects, is also running to replace his boss, who will be termed out next year.