Trump Endorses Jim Desmond for 48th Congressional Seat

Desmond, a San Diego County Supervisor, is running for the seat being vacated by Darrell Issa.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A cinematic painting of an empty political office space, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows casting across the room. An American flag hangs solemnly in the background, creating a contemplative and nostalgic mood.Trump's endorsement of Desmond sets the stage for a high-stakes battle over California's 48th Congressional District.San Diego Today

President Donald Trump has endorsed San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond in the race for the 48th Congressional District seat being vacated by Darrell Issa. Desmond, a former U.S. Navy veteran, is running against a crowded field of Democratic candidates, including Ammar Campa-Najjar, Brandon Riker, and Marni von Wilpert.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement of Desmond is seen as a major boost for the Republican candidate in a race that is expected to be highly competitive. The 48th District has been redrawn and is now considered a battleground, making the outcome of the election crucial for both parties.

The details

In his endorsement, Trump praised Desmond as a 'Brave U.S. Navy Veteran' who 'knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Defend our Country, Support our incredible Military/Veterans and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.' Desmond responded by thanking Trump and vowing to 'win this race, bring common sense back to California, and make this state affordable for working families again.' Shortly after Trump's endorsement, House Republican leadership, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, also endorsed Desmond.

  • On April 14, 2026, President Donald Trump endorsed Jim Desmond for the 48th Congressional District seat.
  • The 48th District seat is being vacated by Darrell Issa.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who endorsed Jim Desmond for the 48th Congressional District seat.

Jim Desmond

A San Diego County Supervisor and former U.S. Navy veteran who is running for the 48th Congressional District seat.

Darrell Issa

The current Representative for the 48th Congressional District, who is vacating the seat.

Ammar Campa-Najjar

A Democratic candidate running for the 48th Congressional District seat.

Brandon Riker

A Democratic candidate running for the 48th Congressional District seat.

Marni von Wilpert

A San Diego City Councilmember and Democratic candidate running for the 48th Congressional District seat.

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What they’re saying

“A Brave U.S. Navy Veteran, Jim knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Defend our Country, Support our incredible Military/Veterans and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”

— Donald Trump, Former President of the United States

“Thank you, Mr. President. We're going to win this race, bring common sense back to California, and make this state affordable for working families again. The people deserve nothing less.”

— Jim Desmond, San Diego County Supervisor

“It's like Darrell Issa never left, just another rubber stamp.”

— Ammar Campa-Najjar, Democratic Candidate

“Now it's crystal clear: a vote for Jim Desmond is a vote for more of Trump's chaos, corruption and rising costs. Jim Desmond isn't really running to represent this community, he's running to represent Trump and that will mean more dysfunction, more inflation, more ICE violence and more reckless foreign wars America can't afford.”

— Marni von Wilpert, San Diego City Councilmember and Democratic Candidate

What’s next

The race for the 48th Congressional District seat is expected to be highly competitive, with a crowded field of Democratic candidates vying to flip the seat. The outcome of the election will be closely watched as it could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress.

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of Jim Desmond is seen as a major boost for the Republican candidate in a race that is expected to be highly competitive. The 48th District has been redrawn and is now considered a battleground, making the outcome of the election crucial for both parties.