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Issa Retires From Congress, Backs Desmond in Newly Redrawn 48th District

His decision triggers a filing extension in a district that now tilts Democratic under Proposition 50.

Overview

  • Rep. Darrell Issa announced he will not seek reelection and endorsed San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond to succeed him in California's 48th District.
  • Desmond withdrew from his yearlong campaign to challenge Rep. Mike Levin in the 49th District and pulled nomination papers to run in the 48th, according to election officials.
  • Because Issa did not file by the incumbent deadline, a five-day window opened for additional candidates to enter the race.
  • Proposition 50 shifted the 48th from a 12-point Republican registration advantage to about a 4-point Democratic edge, reshaping the district across parts of San Diego and Riverside counties.
  • Democrats including Ammar Campa-Najjar and San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert have launched bids, and the open seat raises risks for the GOP’s narrow House majority, according to AP analysis.