Decision 2026
District 48: The Congressional Battlground
California’s 48th Congressional District is quickly becoming one of the most closely watched congressional races in the nation. Following redistricting under Proposition 50 and the retirement of longtime Republican Congressman Darrell Issa, both Democrats and Republicans now see a path to victory in the district stretching from northern San Diego County into Riverside County communities like Temecula, Hemet and Palm Springs.
Republican frontrunner Jim Desmond, a San Diego County supervisor endorsed by both Issa and President Donald Trump, says affordability and infrastructure are top priorities for voters.
“The American dream is slipping further and further away from our young generation,” Desmond said during an interview with NBC Palm Springs.
On the Democratic side, the race remains crowded. Former Labor Department official and Navy reservist Ammar Campa-Najjar says his campaign is focused on working-class issues and combating what he calls “dark money” influence in politics.
Palm Springs entrepreneur Brandon Riker is campaigning heavily on economic policy, calling for tax relief and affordability measures while positioning himself as a candidate focused on grassroots outreach.
Meanwhile, San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert says she entered the race to fight for healthcare access, voting rights and equality while pushing back against President Trump’s agenda.
Under California’s top-two primary system, the two candidates receiving the most votes will advance to the general election in November. Political analysts expect the race to attract millions of dollars in outside spending as both parties fight for control of the U.S. House.
By: Caitlyn Kelley
May 13, 2026
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