Desmond, Von Wilpert Advance To November Election In 48th Congressional District Race

SAN DIEGO, CA — Republican Jim Desmond and Democrat Marni von Wilpert advanced to the November general election in California's 48th Congressional District following Tuesday's primary, setting up a closely watched contest for an open congressional seat that spans parts of Riverside and San Diego counties.

With updated election returns Wednesday, Desmond, a San Diego County supervisor, led the 12-candidate field with 45.96% of the vote. Von Wilpert, a San Diego city councilwoman, secured the second spot with 19.65%, earning a place on the Nov. 3 ballot under California's top-two primary system.

The race drew significant attention because it was the first open contest for the district in years. Longtime Republican Rep. Darrell Issa decided to retire after his current term ends, rather than run for reelection in a district that now leans Democratic.

Desmond, a Navy veteran, entered the race with endorsements from Issa and President Donald Trump.

In a statement Tuesday night, Desmond said voters "sent a message to every tax-happy, out-of-touch politician who forgot who they work for."

"People are tired of taxes that climb every year while their paychecks stand still," he said. "They want to maintain a secure border. They're tired of working harder than ever and still wondering how they're going to afford to live in the place they call home."

Democrats faced a crowded field that included nine candidates.

Former Obama administration official Ammar Campa-Najjar placed third with 11.36% of the vote. Democrat Corinna Contreras received 6.71%, while Democrat Abel Chavez received 4.11%.

The newly drawn 48th District covers a broad swath of inland Southern California, including Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Poway, Temecula and Palm Springs.

The district has drawn national attention because it leans more Democratic than the seat Issa previously represented, making the November matchup one of the region's most competitive congressional races.