CA-48
Jim Desmond (R) vs. Marni von Wilpert (D). General election Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
What does a U.S. representative do?
Writes and votes on federal laws for a district of about 760,000 people. All bills about taxes and spending must start in the House. 2-year term. One per district.
- Votes on the federal budget
- Introduces bills
- Helps constituents with federal agencies (Social Security, VA, passports)
Your options
Listed alphabetically by last name. Each box has the same sections in the same order. Donation and campaign links appear only after we confirm they belong to the candidate's own committee.
Jim Desmond
Who they are
In their words: “Jim Desmond, U.S. Navy Veteran & North County leader, is running for Congress in CA-48 to fight for lower costs, safer communities, and a secure border.” campaign site
What they say they'll do
What they've done
Who funds them
In short
WinRed page belongs to "Desmond for Congress", checked against FEC records.
Marni von Wilpert
Who they are
In their words: “Marni von Wilpert is running for Congress to tackle the skyrocketing cost of living, protect reproductive freedom, defend LGBTQ rights, and make Washington work for working families — not just the wealthy few. With a proven record of service, results, and winning tough races, Marni is the battle-tested fighter we need to flip CA-48 and finally send Darrell Issa packing.” campaign site
What they say they'll do
- HOLD ICE ACCOUNTABLE
- CLEAN UP CORRUPTION AND DEFEND OUR DEMOCRACY
- PROTECT AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY
- RAISE WAGES AND LOWER COSTS
- TACKLE THE HOUSING CRISIS AND UNRIG THE ECONOMY
What they've done
Who funds them
In short
ActBlue page belongs to "Marni von Wilpert", checked against FEC records.
Where they stand, issue by issue
Quotes are taken from each campaign's own website (first sentences of the section, unedited). Topics are assigned by keyword; we do not summarize or score positions. "No public position found" means we did not find the topic on the campaign site, not that the candidate has no view.
From groceries to utilities, gas to housing, life is getting more expensive for working families.source
No one should have to choose between their health and their paycheck or worry about losing the Social Security they’ve earned after a lifetime of work.source
As the proud daughter of an immigrant father who came to America and served in the United States Army, Marni knows firsthand our immigration system should reflect our values, not fear and division.source
A member of the Columbine generation, Marni was in high school when she watched the news in horror as students ran for their lives out of the classrooms at Columbine High School.source
Our fundamental rights are being stripped away, and Republicans will stop at nothing to pass a nationwide abortion ban — Marni is running for Congress to stop them. When Roe v.source
Climate change is an urgent threat, and meeting it requires action that puts our environment ahead of the corporate polluters bankrolling Donald Trump and his allies.source
Marni opposes Trump’s unauthorized wars, and she’ll work to rebuild America’s alliances and standing in the world.source
Washington should work for the people, not Donald Trump’s mega-donors and the corporate interests who put him in office. Marni will crack down on corruption by banning members of Congress from trading stocks and using their positions for personal gain.source
No candidate in this race addresses on their site: Taxes & government spending, Social Security & Medicare, Crime & public safety, Schools & education, Veterans, Farming & rural issues, Housing, Roads, transit & infrastructure.
About this race
No incumbent is on the ballot (open seat). The race is rated leaning Democratic. 2-year term. One per district.
Rating from the Cook Political Report race ratings, Oct 23, 2026. Candidates from the California Secretary of State, certified list of candidates for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election.
