Democrat Marni von Wilpert won California's 48th Congressional District, defeating Republican Jim Desmond by roughly 19 points in a race that will reshape federal representation across North County.
Von Wilpert, a San Diego city councilmember, held 102,132 votes, or 59.44%, compared with 69,686 votes, or 40.56%, for Desmond as of Nov. 5, according to The Coast News. Tens of thousands of ballots remained to be counted, but KPBS reported von Wilpert had officially won the seat.
The redrawn 48th District includes the North County cities of San Marcos and Vista, along with portions of Escondido and Oceanside, according to The Coast News. It also extends into Riverside County, covering Temecula, Hemet, Palm Springs and Indian Wells.
Von Wilpert replaces Rep. Darrell Issa, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Issa had endorsed Desmond, a termed-out San Diego County supervisor, to succeed him. President Donald Trump also endorsed Desmond.
The district was one of five redrawn under Proposition 50, which California voters approved in 2025. The measure replaced the state's congressional map with lines more favorable to Democrats, according to a USC Dornsife poll published before the election. A CalMatters voter guide listed the 48th's voter registration at 37% Democratic, 33% Republican and 22% no party preference.
Democrats won all five redrawn districts, The Hill reported.
Von Wilpert declared victory at a watch party in San Marcos on election night. "I am so glad that our nation chose love over fear," she told supporters, according to KPBS. "When it comes to these horrific ICE raids, we're going to stop ICE from tearing our communities apart."
She also said she would work to restart the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). With Rep. Sara Jacobs joining her on stage, von Wilpert pledged to work on restoring abortion rights and protecting voting rights, KPBS reported.
"Tonight the voters of this district are sending a clear message," von Wilpert said in a message to supporters, according to The Coast News. "I've spent the last year hearing from parents struggling to afford groceries and seniors scared of losing health care, and I will carry their stories with me to Washington."
San Diego County Registrar of Voters Shawn Brom projected countywide turnout above 64%, according to KPBS. The registrar's office has until Dec. 3 to certify the final election results.
