San Diego Democrat David Alvarez had two hopes going into his mayoral campaign against Republican City Councilman Kevin Faulconer. First, he would become the first Latino mayor of San Diego. Secondly, and almost as importantly, it would have been a Democratic candidate besting the field in a historically conservative enclave.

But it was not meant to be, according to results that show Alvarez's rival taking the win by 54.5 percentage points.

San Diego activist Christian Ramirez told VOXXI that Faulconer ran "almost like an independent," picking up support from some prominent groups, including the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. He also said that Obama's endorsement of Alvarez came with "mixed feelings."

"Obama isn't that popular among Latinos at this point," Ramirez said, but also noted that Alvarez could win the race if "a big majority of Latinos" turned out to vote.

Obama wasn't the only heavy political hand weighing in on Alvarez's behalf, on Monday the Alvarez campaign got the official endorsement of California Governor Jerry Brown.

"David Alvarez has been a leader in the community and on the City council, fighting for innovative policies that will grow the economy and protect the environment," Governor Brown said in a published statement. "He is the kind of Mayor San Diego needs."

Alvarez went into a runoff with Faulconer after the two came out on top in a November vote with Faulconer leading the field with 43 percent to Alvarez's 25. However, Alvarez had just edged out fellow Democratic candidate Nathan Fletcher, and many had hoped the combined support of their voting groups would be enough to topple Faulconer in the runoff. That level of Democratic support simply didn't materialize in the runoff election.

Alvarez was beating the bush until late in the game, beginning his campaign day at 6 a.m. the day before the election. Like many, he saw his opportunity to serve at the helm of his city as a chance to inspire many of his constituents for whom he was a very familiar break from the normal politics in San Diego.

"No matter where you come from, no matter what happens to you in life, you can overcome all of those obstacles," Alvarez told reporters on the eve of the election. "You can become someone."