Von Wilpert leads Desmond in 48th District race

Democratic City Councilwoman Marni von Wilpert declared victory in the 48th U.S. House District race on Tuesday night. She led Republican County Supervisor Jim Desmond by a wide margin as of 9 a.m. Wednesday. Von Wilpert had accumulated 92,924 votes, which represented 59.6% of the total. Desmond had 63,015 votes, or 40.4%. Tens of thousands of ballots remained uncounted at that time.

In a statement to supporters, von Wilpert said voters were tired of a corrupt Congress and out-of-control costs. She noted that she had spent the past year listening to parents who struggled to afford groceries and seniors who feared losing healthcare. She said she would carry those stories with her to Washington.

Von Wilpert said she was ready to fight for working families in Congress. She pledged to lower costs for the middle class and protect healthcare. She also said she would hold President Donald Trump accountable for his agenda. Desmond has not conceded the race despite the large gap in the current tallies.

The 48th District seat was previously held by Representative Darrell Issa. Issa announced his retirement earlier this year. The district covers parts of San Diego and Riverside counties. Its boundaries were redrawn after the passage of Proposition 50, making it a key swing district in this election.

Desmond is a Navy veteran and former pilot for Delta Air Lines. He served as mayor of San Marcos before becoming a county supervisor. His campaign website states he prioritizes border security and affordability. He supports a fair immigration system that prevents illegal crossings while offering a legal process for those who follow the rules.

Von Wilpert previously worked as a civil prosecutor for the San Diego City Attorney. She said she turned her city council district blue and is ready to do so in Congress. On immigration, she supports meaningful reform that keeps borders secure and provides legal pathways to citizenship. She also wants to hold federal immigration enforcement agencies accountable for their tactics.

Von Wilpert plans to address affordability by undoing tariffs introduced by the Trump administration. She also intends to push back against corporate interests that she says have driven up prices. On the City Council, she helped advance a resolution allowing the City Attorney to support lawsuits against federal agencies.

Four incumbent members of San Diego County’s congressional delegation also held leads in their races as of early Wednesday. In the 49th District, Mike Levin led Armen Kurdian 58.5% to 41.5%. In the 50th District, Scott Peters led Steve Cohen 60.9% to 39.1%. Both incumbents have served in Congress for several terms and focused on housing, energy, and immigration enforcement in their campaigns.