" I support raising the federal minimum wage. What I’ve said is I don’t want San Diego to be at a competitive disadvantage, particularly for our small businesses and our entrepreneurs to have one set of wages for San Diego and a different set of wages for surrounding cities. "
- Kevin Faulconer

Kevin Faulconer supports increasing the federal minimum wage as a way to ensure that San Diego's small businesses and entrepreneurs are not at an economic disadvantage compared to their competitors in nearby cities. His stance reflects his belief in maintaining a level playing field for local enterprises, avoiding a situation where businesses in different areas face varying labor costs.

At its core, Faulconer’s statement addresses the complexities of regional economic policies and highlights the challenges faced by small business owners when they operate under inconsistent wage regulations. By advocating for a federal minimum wage increase, he aims to mitigate the competitive disadvantages that can arise from having lower wages in San Diego compared to surrounding regions. This approach seeks to create uniformity in labor costs across different areas, making it easier for local businesses to compete without being burdened by excessive administrative or financial hurdles.

Kevin Faulconer is a prominent figure who served as the mayor of San Diego from 2014 until 2022. Throughout his tenure, he has focused on economic development and supporting small businesses within the city, making him an influential voice in discussions about labor policies and regional competitiveness.