San Diego, February 1, 2026
In a pivotal move within the Democratic Party, Marni von Wilpert has emerged as the leading candidate to challenge incumbent Republican Darrell Issa in the 48th Congressional District. A recent pre-endorsement vote shows von Wilpert with 68.8% support, outpacing Ammar Campa-Najjar and Brandon Riker. Although she fell short of the 70% needed for an official endorsement, this indicates a strong preference among local Democrats for von Wilpert in the upcoming election.
San Diego Democrats Shift Support in 48th Congressional District Race
San Diego, CA – In a significant development within the Democratic Party, San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert has emerged as the leading candidate to challenge incumbent Republican Representative Darrell Issa in the 48th Congressional District. Recent pre-endorsement votes indicate a shift in local Democratic support, with von Wilpert securing 68.8% of the vote, surpassing Ammar Campa-Najjar, who received 14.3%, and Brandon Riker, who garnered 10.4%. This outcome suggests a waning favorability towards Campa-Najjar, a candidate who has previously faced challenges in high-profile races.
Pre-Endorsement Vote Results
The pre-endorsement vote, a preliminary measure of party support, revealed the following outcomes:
- Marni von Wilpert: 68.8%
- Ammar Campa-Najjar: 14.3%
- Brandon Riker: 10.4%
Notably, von Wilpert’s support fell just shy of the 70% threshold required for an official party endorsement. Despite this, the results indicate a clear preference among local Democrats for von Wilpert as the candidate to challenge Issa.
Background on the Candidates
Marni von Wilpert is a two-term San Diego City Councilmember with a background in law and public service. She has been recognized for her advocacy on behalf of workers and LGBTQ+ communities. In 2020, she secured her council seat by defeating a Republican opponent in a conservative-leaning district.
Ammar Campa-Najjar has previously run for Congress in the 50th District, facing Issa in 2020 and losing to him in the general election. In 2022, he ran for mayor of Chula Vista but was defeated by Republican John McCann. Despite these setbacks, Campa-Najjar remains active in local politics and continues to seek opportunities to represent the community.
Implications for the 48th District Race
The pre-endorsement vote results suggest a potential shift in the Democratic Party’s strategy for the upcoming election. With von Wilpert leading in support, there is a growing consensus that she may be the candidate best positioned to challenge Issa in the 48th District. However, the official party endorsement will not be finalized until the state convention, scheduled to begin on February 20 in the Bay Area.
As the election approaches, the dynamics within the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape in San Diego will continue to evolve, with the 48th District race emerging as a focal point for both local and national political observers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is leading in the Democratic pre-endorsement vote for the 48th Congressional District?
Marni von Wilpert is leading with 68.8% of the vote, followed by Ammar Campa-Najjar with 14.3%, and Brandon Riker with 10.4%.
What is the significance of the pre-endorsement vote results?
The pre-endorsement vote indicates a clear preference among local Democrats for Marni von Wilpert as the candidate to challenge incumbent Republican Representative Darrell Issa in the 48th Congressional District.
When will the official party endorsement be finalized?
The official party endorsement will be finalized at the state convention, which is scheduled to begin on February 20 in the Bay Area.
What are the backgrounds of the leading candidates?
Marni von Wilpert is a two-term San Diego City Councilmember with a background in law and public service. Ammar Campa-Najjar has previously run for Congress in the 50th District and for mayor of Chula Vista, though he was defeated in both races.
What does this mean for the 48th District race?
The pre-endorsement vote results suggest a potential shift in the Democratic Party’s strategy, with von Wilpert emerging as a strong candidate to challenge Issa. The official endorsement at the state convention will provide further clarity on the party’s direction.
Key Features of the 48th Congressional District Race
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Leading Democratic Candidate | Marni von Wilpert |
| Pre-Endorsement Vote Results | Von Wilpert: 68.8%, Campa-Najjar: 14.3%, Riker: 10.4% |
| Official Party Endorsement Date | February 20, 2026 (State Convention) |
| Incumbent Representative | Darrell Issa (Republican) |
| Previous Election Outcomes | Campa-Najjar lost to Issa in 2020; von Wilpert secured council seat in 2020 |
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