Von Wilpert, Desmond Advance in 48th District Race as Democrats Avoid November Shutout
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 3
Von Wilpert, Desmond Advance in 48th District Race as Democrats Avoid November Shutout
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 3
Summary
Marni von Wilpert secured a November spot in California’s 48th District, ensuring Democrats will face Republican Jim Desmond instead of being shut out under the state’s top-two primary system.
The result eased Democratic fears that von Wilpert’s bitter split with fellow Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar would let two Republicans advance; Campa-Najjar fell short in his third congressional bid.
The race now moves to a district Trump lost by less than 4 points in 2024 after redrawn boundaries made the seat slightly more Democratic by adding inland San Diego, Riverside and Coachella Valley areas.
Desmond ran with backing from Trump and Darrell Issa, while von Wilpert pitched herself as a moderate focused on public safety and expanded labor bargaining rights.