UPDATE (June 3, 8 a.m.): As of Wednesday morning, Republican Jim Desmond has a large lead and appears to be on the way to the November general election, with Democrat Marni von Wilpert in second.
In a statement to the media late Tuesday night, Desmond said, in part: "This win belongs to the families who are sick of being taxed out of their own neighborhoods, to the small business owners hanging on, to the seniors stretching a fixed income further every month. They're done being ignored by politicians who tax everything and listen to no one. They voted for a secure border, lower taxes, and a chance to actually afford the life they've worked for. I hear them, and I'm not going to forget it."
Von wilpert said in a statement, in part: “I’m energized by these super strong early results and ready to continue the fight to take back Congress. Thank you to all the people who have powered this campaign and who continue to believe in our fight to stop Trump and build an America where opportunity and dignity belong to everyone again. To my fellow Democrats in this race – thank you. We ran on the same values and we have the same mission – taking our country back from Trump.”
She went on to say Desmond “has proven he will be just another rubber stamp for an extreme MAGA agenda that raises costs, attacks fundamental freedoms and leaves working families behind. I got into this race to fight for the America we believe in – where workers get a fair shot, the rule of law means something, and we treat one another with dignity and decency, not cruelty and contempt.”
The contest to replace outgoing GOP Rep. Darrell Issa attracted 12 candidates, including Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar, who announced he would no longer be pursuing a career in politics.
In a statement following the release of early results, Campa-Najjar said, in part: "While my political career is permanently over, I'm deeply grateful to the voters and supporters who let me into their lives and enriched mine. I promise to continue to serve my country and community, because true patriotism means loving your country even when it doesn't always love us back."
SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The 48th Congressional District race has become one of the most competitive races in California — one that could determine who gets control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Three of the biggest names in the race are Republican San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, San Diego City Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert, and former congressional candidate Ammar Campa-Najjar.
The newly redrawn 48th District now stretches from North County San Diego into the Coachella Valley and the Palm Springs area.
Throughout Election Day, voters dropped off ballots and cast their votes, many saying they came to the polls with very different priorities in mind.
Voter Heather Rynerson said integrity and follow-through are what she looks for in a candidate.
"Do they, um, do what they said when they're trying to get elected through their campaign, and do they have integrity? It's very important." Rynerson said.
Rynerson also cited child protection and abortion policy as top concerns.
"The protection of children. Um, abortion is a very personal and a very volatile topic, but there are some laws that have been passed that the people didn't get to really vote on." Rynerson said.
Voter Patricia Brockmeyer said taxes were her top priority.
"Lower gas taxes, federal income, state income, yeah, I mean, kids can't buy houses because a lot of the taxes. So yeah, I'd like to see them go away. -- I reduced -- anyway." Brockmeyer said.
Voter John Woosley said support for the military was the issue that mattered most to him.
"Somebody who's gonna recognize our soldiers, who's gonna give them the respect that they deserve, who's gonna, uh, you know, celebrate them on Memorial Day and not anybody else is, is really important for me." Woosley said.
Desmond spoke at his watch party, expressing confidence about voter turnout.
"Of course we'll, you know, see what their, you know, their strengths and weaknesses are and going forward, but I think we've got a good. We got a good shot of winning this no matter, no matter who I'm up against." Desmond said.
Von Wilpert's team released a statement saying she is energized by strong early results and is ready to continue the fight to take back Congress.
In a statement, she added, "With control of the House on the line, there has never been a more consequential race for Congress in our region. This November, voters will have a clear choice: between more chaos, corruption and cruelty – or a leader who will stand up and fight for our communities. "
While vote totals have not been finalized, Campa-Najjar's team has not responded to a request for comment.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
