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Desmond Holds Large Early Lead in Redrawn California 48th

Early tallies point to a likely DesmondVon Wilpert November matchup that could affect control of the U.S. House.

An election worker transports ballots during the California primary election at the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center in City of Industry, California, U.S., June 2, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole

Overview

  • Partial results from early June show Republican San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond with roughly twice the vote share of San Diego Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert, positioning them as the top two finishers in the state’s top-two primary.
  • Final outcomes remain unsettled because significant mail ballots and late precinct returns have yet to be counted and votes must be certified before the November field is set.
  • The new CA-48 was redrawn after voters approved Proposition 50 to create a district Democrats targeted as a pickup opportunity, stretching from North County San Diego into Riverside County and the Coachella Valley.
  • Heavy outside spending shaped the race, with more than $3.5 million spent against Ammar Campa-Najjar and Democratic Majority for Israel alone reported to have spent over $2 million, which analysts say helped reshape the late-stage dynamics.
  • Von Wilpert led fundraising with more than $1.25 million raised, and the likely November matchup will test whether her resources and coalition-building can overcome Desmond’s early advantage and the district’s diverse geography.