SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's announcement early Friday that he is entering the race for Lt. Governor of California begged the question: Who becomes mayor if Newsom wins?

The answer is simple: David Chiu, the president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, would serve as interim mayor.

Matt Dorsey with the city attorney's office showed KTVU the city charter which details how the mayor's job would be filled when the mayor can not serve out his term.

"The board president whoever it is at that moment who become mayor then the board could decide to appoint a new mayor," said Dorsey.

Chiu told us he would probably serve for about a week before the board of supervisors selects a new mayor, which could be Chiu, another supervisor or someone outside the board. The city charter states that any registered voter of SF is eligible.

Whoever is selected must receive a minimum of six votes and any supervisor in the running is not eligible to vote.

"We'll see what the future brings," said Chiu. "I certainly knew when I accepted the role of president of the board of supervisors that I would fulfill all of the responsibilities the role entails."

Many voters told us they're not happy with this process and say Newsom campaigning for statewide office means SF won't get the attention it deserves.

Alex kolovansky/ SF voter Right now, we need continuity we need a mayor that's here but everybody's got to do their own thing.

Jon faust /SF voter/ My primary concern is that he isn't focused on SF issues the budget's been a problem.

The last time a San Francisco mayor couldn't finish his term was almost 32 years ago when mayor George Moscone was assassinated. Dianne Feinstein, the president of the board at the time, was selected mayor by her fellow supervisors.

One alternative being talked about is a special election to enable voters to select a mayor. But first there would need to be an amendment to the city charter.

"It requires six members of the board of supervisors to get it on the ballot, or it can be done through the initiative process, where ten percent of the registered voters sign a petition to put it on," said Dorsey.

Many are concerned about the potential political firestorm the process could set off.

After all this is SF politics and there will no doubt be behind the scenes maneuvering.