California’s Congressional District 48 race is taking shape ahead of the June primary, reshaped by Proposition 50 redistricting.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. —

The primary election is right around the corner on June 2, with all congressional seats up for grabs. We are taking a closer look at Congressional District 48. 

This district was redrawn for this election under Proposition 50. There are 12 candidates in the race whose names you will see on the ballot, and five of them have reported significant campaign activity, raising more than $100,000, according to the Federal Election Commission filings. 



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ABEL CHAVEZ

Chavez is a Democrat who is a teacher and business owner. He aims to fight for economic opportunity, education reform and medical policies that serve the general public. As of May 13, he had raised $455,000 for his campaign.


AMMAR CAMPA-NAJJAR

Campa-Najjar is a Democrat and worked in the Obama-era administration. He wants to dismantle ICE, end the ongoing “forever wars” and lower the cost of living. As of May 13, he had raised $1,236,000 for his campaign. 


BRANDON RIKER 

Riker is a Democrat and a trained economist who believes working families are being left behind and everyone should have a fair shot at the American dream. As of May 13, he had raised $2,100,000 for his campaign. 


CORINNA CONTRERAS 

Contreras is a Democrat and a Vista City Councilmember who believes housing is a human right. She also wants to make healthcare more accessible for women and LGBTQ communities and invest in modern infrastructure. As of May 13, she had raised $33,000 for her campaign.


FERGUSON PORTER

Porter is a Palm Springs resident running as a Democrat. As of May 13, he had raised $62,000 for his campaign. 


JIM DESMOND 

Desmond is a Republican and current San Diego County Supervisor. He’s a Navy veteran who believes the challenges families face of rising costs and housing are being ignored by politicians. As of May 13, he had raised $1,900,000 for his campaign. 


MARNI VON WILPERT

Von Wilpert is a Democrat and current San Diego City Councilmember. She is a former civil prosecutor who wants to tackle the skyrocketing cost of living, ICE raids, defend LGBTQ rights and protect reproductive freedom. As of May 13, she had raised $1,260,000 for her campaign. 

Candidates that will be on the ballot but have not received donations as of May 13, 2026 are: 

Eric Shaw, Kevin O’Neil, Luis Reyna, Mike Schaefer and Stephen Clemons.