Local elections were held in Zamboanga City on May 10, 2004, within the Philippine general election. The voters elected for the elective local posts in the city: the mayor, vice mayor, 12 councilors and one representative from its lone district.
Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat died of complications in January 2004, paving the mayoralty race for the ruling Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino wide open since she was the presumptive nominee running for a third term. Vice-Mayor Erbie Fabian took her place as acting mayor.
Lobregat's son, incumbent Congressman Celso Lobregat became the standard-bearer of the LDP, and incumbent Mayor Fabian will run for the post left by Celso. Celso picked Councilor Beng Climaco as his running-mate.
The candidate for district representative, mayor, and vice mayor with the highest number of votes wins the seat; they are voted separately; therefore, they may be of different parties when elected.
The vice-mayorship is vacant since Vice-Mayor Erbie Fabian took office upon Mayor Lobregat's death. Incumbent Councilor Beng Climaco runs against veteran politician Jaime Cabato.