Von Wilpert Wins 48th House Seat as San Diego Incumbents Retain Power
The Democratic councilwoman secured a lead of nearly 33,000 votes over Republican Jim Desmond, while four sitting representatives in the region also advanced.
By Oliver Bennett ·
Marni von Wilpert, a San Diego City Councilmember, has taken the lead in the race for California's 48th U.S. House District. As of Thursday night, she held 102,132 votes, representing 59.44% of the total. Her Republican opponent, county Supervisor Jim Desmond, had 69,686 votes, or 40.56%. Officials indicated that tens of thousands of ballots remained to be counted.
Von Wilpert is poised to replace Rep. Darrell Issa, who announced his retirement earlier this year. The district includes portions of San Diego and Riverside counties. It was designated as a key swing seat after redistricting following the passage of Proposition 50. Von Wilpert told supporters late Tuesday that voters were signaling a desire for change. She stated that the electorate was tired of a corrupt Congress and out-of-control costs. She said she would carry the stories of parents struggling with grocery prices and seniors worried about health care to Washington.
Von Wilpert described her political career as a fight for working families. She said she would work to lower costs for the middle class, protect health care, and reduce corruption in Washington. She specifically mentioned holding President Donald Trump accountable for his agenda. She framed the election as a chance to clean up the federal government so it works for the public.
Four incumbent members of San Diego County's congressional delegation also secured victories. In the 49th District, Democratic Rep. Mike Levin led Republican Armen Kurdian. Levin received 129,312 votes, or 57.72%, while Kurdian garnered 94,738 votes, or 42.28%. Levin has represented the district, which covers North County and southern Orange County, since 2019.
In the 50th District, Democratic Rep. Scott Peters defeated Republican Steve Cohen. Peters collected 125,988 votes, or 61.45%, compared with Cohen's 79,053 votes, or 38.55%. Peters has served in Congress since 2013. The district covers coastal areas of San Diego and extends north to San Marcos and Escondido.
Democratic Rep. Sara Jacobs won her fourth term in the 51st District. She received 116,892 votes, or 63.45%, while Republican Ricardo Cabrera received 67,348 votes, or 36.55%. The district includes central San Diego and parts of East County, including El Cajon, La Mesa, and Spring Valley.
In the 52nd District, Democratic Rep. Juan Vargas defeated Republican Jeff Belle. Vargas received 96,581 votes, or 69.21%, while Belle received 42,963 votes, or 30.79%. Vargas has been a congressman since 2013 and previously served in the state Senate, state Assembly, and San Diego City Council.
