Overview
- Issa announced Friday he will end his reelection bid and retire at the close of his term, calling it the right time for a new chapter.
- San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond filed to run in the 48th District after withdrawing from a campaign in the neighboring 49th, according to the county registrar.
- Because the incumbent did not file by the deadline, the 48th District race now has a five-day window for additional candidates to enter.
- Proposition 50 shifted the district from roughly a 12-point Republican registration edge to about a 4-point Democratic advantage, reshaping its competitiveness.
- Democrats already in the race include Ammar Campa-Najjar and San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, and the open seat raises the risk for Republicans trying to protect their narrow House majority.