SF continues to mourn Ed Lee, rumors of future mayoral candidates fly

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Once Mayor Ed Lee is laid to rest, a political reality will emerge. All eyes will be focused on the question, "What's next?"

Who will be his successor?

"There's been an earthquake that's shook this city," San Francisco Supervisor Malia Cohen said. That earthquake was the sudden death of former San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, an earthquake that's shaken the political landscape of the city.

RELATED: San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee passes away at the age of 65

Who will be the next mayor?

Former State Senator Mark Leno is the only one who's a declared candidate for the November mayoral election in 2019. But now, there'll be a special election for interim mayor in June. He faces election much sooner.

"I was planning another two years of campaigning. Now it will be a mere six months," Leno said.

Leno has already been raising money and building coalitions since he declared last May.

But he may be facing Board of Supervisors President London Breed, who's now Acting Mayor.

RELATED: Who is acting San Francisco Mayor London Breed?

If she runs you might call her sort of an incumbent.

"Should President Breed decide to run, it will be an uphill battle for anyone who's looking to challenge her," Cohen said.

Other potential candidates include State Assemblyman and former Supervisors President David Chiu, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2011.

Former Supervisor and Assemblyman Tom Ammiano says Chiu will have to roll the dice.

"His challenge will be the race for Assembly is this year as well, so if he ran in June, he would have to give up his Assembly race," Cohen added.

Also rumored to be running are Supervisor Jane Kim who ran for State Senate, City Attorney Dennis Herrera, and Supervisor Mark Farrell.

RELATED: Board of Supervisors President London Breed becomes acting SF mayor.

And how about Elder Statesman Ammiano himself?

"It has crossed my mind," he said. "It's a large mind to cross so we don't know where it will land."

One thing is certain: If you're going to run, you better move fast.

Click here for more stories on Ed Lee.