The 48th Congressional District race has massive stakes, not just regionally, but on a statewide and national level. That’s something voter Miranda was very aware of as she dropped off her ballot on Tuesday.
Miranda, who is from Escondido, voted for Abel Chavez, a Democrat and school board member.
“Out of all the candidates, his policies align more with what I’m looking for,” she said.
Chavez is in a crowded field of Democrats who are looking to replace Rep. Darrell Issa, a Republican who currently holds the seat but is not running for re-election.
Last year, voters passed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s redistricting measure, Proposition 50, creating five new, Democrat-leaning congressional districts, including the 48th. Several Democrats jumped into the primary eyeing a chance to flip the seat, including San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, Ammar Campa-Najjar (who lost the seat to Issa in 2020), Palm Springs economist Brandon Riker, Chavez and more.
In April, seeing his chances for re-election dwindling, Issa dropped out of the race and tapped termed-out County Supervisor Jim Desmond, also a Republican, to run instead.
At stake is a congressional seat that could determine if the House of Representatives enters the next two years with a Republican or Democratic majority.
“Given the current Trump administration, I wanted to make sure my voice was heard, especially as a woman,” Miranda said. “This race is so important beyond just our community, and I wanted to make sure to vote and exercise my rights.”
Penny, a mother from San Marcos, voted for Desmond to win the congressional seat.
“I’m a Republican, I live in San Marcos, I’m familiar with his leadership and I trust that he will do a good job in the role,” Penny said.
Desmond used to be the mayor of San Marcos, and the district he currently represents as a county supervisor includes San Marcos. It’s a big reason the Republican Party wanted Desmond to jump into the 48th race (he was previously running for the 49th Congressional District before Issa dropped out).
Hector, a San Marcos resident who is originally from Mexico, said he voted for Campa-Najjar based on his views about immigration reform and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
Campa-Najjar has previously said he’s in support of abolishing the current ICE system and replacing it with a new agency.
“For people like me and my family members, this election means everything,” Hector said. “We need to elect people who are going to fight for us, not spread fear in our communities.”
Desmond is widely expected to make it through to the general election, but the results of Tuesday’s Primary will determine which Democrat he’ll face in November.
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