Election 2026: Five San Diego County congressional seats on the ballot – The Coast News Group

Election 2026: Five San Diego County congressional seats on the ballot  The Coast News Group

San Diego County voters will decide five congressional races, including the 48th District seat that could help determine control of Congress. ENCINITAS — San Diego County’s five congressional districts are up for grabs this November, with four Democrats seeking to retain their seats and a race for the 48th Congressional District that could help determine control of Congress. The 48th District — spanning portions of San Diego and Riverside counties — was previously represented by longtime Republican Rep. Darrell 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. Republican Jim Desmond, a San Diego County supervisor, and Democrat Marni von Wilpert, a San Diego City Council member, are vying to represent a region that has been the lone Republican-represented congressional district in San Diego County.

Desmond, a U.S. Navy veteran, former Delta Air Lines pilot, and former mayor of San Marcos, is prioritizing border security and affordability, according to his campaign website. Desmond says he supports establishing a “strong, fair, and dignified immigration system” that prevents illegal border crossings while creating “an efficient legal process for those who follow the rules.” As supervisor, he voted against repealing a San Diego County policy that limits local assistance to federal immigration enforcement and