SAN MARCOS — Democratic San Diego City Councilwoman Marni von Wilpert has flipped the 48th U.S. House District seat, holding an insurmountable lead over Republican county Supervisor Jim Desmond.
Von Wilpert had 102,132 votes, or 59.44%, compared with 69,686 votes, or 40.56%, for Desmond, as of Thursday night. The race still likely has tens of thousands of ballots left to be counted.
“Tonight the voters of this district are sending a clear message — they’re tired of a corrupt Congress and out-of-control costs and ready for a representative who will fight for them,” von Wilpert said in a message to supporters late Tuesday. “I’ve spent the last year hearing from parents struggling to afford groceries and seniors scared of losing health care, and I will carry their stories with me to Washington.
“I’ve spent my life fighting for working families — from defending workers’ rights to taking on the powerful corporations ripping our families off — and I’m ready to take that fight to Congress. I’ll fight to bring down the costs crushing the middle class, protect the health care our families rely on and clean up the corruption that’s stopping Washington from working for the rest of us. That includes holding Donald Trump accountable and reining in his chaos agenda,” she continued.
Von Wilpert will replace Rep. Darrell Issa. The 48th District, spanning portions of San Diego and Riverside counties, was previously represented by Issa, who announced his retirement earlier this year. It has been identified as a key swing district after its lines were redrawn following the passage of Proposition 50.
The redrawn 48th District includes the North County cities of San Marcos and Vista, along with portions of Escondido and Oceanside. It also extends into Riverside County, encompassing Temecula, Hemet, Palm Springs and Indian Wells.
The four incumbents in San Diego County’s congressional delegation easily cruised to victory.
In the 49th District, which covers North County and southern Orange County, Democratic incumbent Mike Levin led Republican candidate Armen Kurdian, 57.72% to 42.28%. Levin had 129,312 votes, while Kurdian had 94,738.
Levin has represented the 49th District since 2019.
The 50th District, covering coastal areas of San Diego and extending north to San Marcos and Escondido, features a race between Democrat Scott Peters and Republican challenger Steve Cohen. Peters led 61.45% to 38.55%, with 125,988 votes to Cohen’s 79,053.
Peters has served in Congress since 2013.
In the 51st District, which includes central portions of San Diego and parts of East County, including El Cajon, La Mesa and Spring Valley, Democratic incumbent Sara Jacobs had 63.45%, compared with 36.55% for Republican challenger Ricardo Cabrera. Jacobs had 116,892 votes, while Cabrera had 67,348.
The victory will be Jacobs’ fourth term.
In the 52nd District in southern San Diego County, Democratic incumbent Juan Vargas led Republican Jeff Belle, 69.21% to 30.79%. Vargas had 96,581 votes, while Belle had 42,963.
Vargas has been a congressman since 2013 and previously served in the state Senate, state Assembly and San Diego City Council.
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