Desmond Wins Endorsement From Trump In Campaign For District 48

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Republicans vying to represent District 48 and succeed veteran Congressman Rep. Darrell Issa are facing an uphill battle after President Trump endorsed Supervisor Jim Desmond to represent the district, which now includes North San Diego County and Palm Springs.

"It is my Great Honor to endorse Highly Respected San Diego County Supervisor, Jim Desmond, who is running to represent the tremendous people of California’s 48th Congressional District," Trump announced Tuesday on Truth Social.

"A Brave U.S. Navy Veteran, Jim knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Defend our Country, Support our incredible Military/Veterans and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH," he continued.

Desmond, a Navy veteran, was the mayor of San Marcos from 2006 to 2018. He has served on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors since 2019.

After California's controversial redistricting measure Proposition 50 passed last year, the district previously covered most of east San Diego County and Temecula.

Issa is retiring from Congress after he declined to run for the 48th District seat when Proposition 50 passed with 64.4 percent of support from California voters. Critics have said Proposition 50, which was endorsed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, unfairly favors Democrats.

Ammar Campa-Najjar, San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, and state Board of Equalization Member Mike Schaefer are the Democrats who will face off in the primary election on June 2.

"We’re going to win this race, bring common sense back to California, and make this state affordable for working families again," Desmond declared on X, formerly known as Twitter.