Democrats are eager to flip Issa’s seat. But his Republican successor is a ‘formidable opponent’

In the run-up to the June primary, Democrats are still divided on which candidate would give them their best shot to flip a closely watched House seat. When Republican Rep. Darrell Issa quit his reelection campaign last month, Democrats celebrated. Now, some are worried. Issa’s exit is seen as a mixed blessing among Democratic officials who have eyed flipping his San Diego House seat for years. While demonstrators at a No Kings rally last weekend were exultant to see him leave the race, local Democratic organizers are more guarded. The Republican who took his place, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, is a longtime local official with name recognition, fundraising connections, and community relationships—without Issa’s close ties to President Donald Trump.

“If anything, Jim Desmond is a slightly better candidate than Darrell Issa in some regards,” because he is not as closely affiliated with Trump, said Dan Rottenstreich, a spokesperson for Marni von Wilpert, one of two leading Democrats in the race. The new hotly contested district covers most of East and North County San Diego and parts of Riverside County, including Palm Springs. Its voter makeup shifted from deep red to slightly blue when California voters approved a redistricting plan to try to give the state five more Democratic congressmembers after Texas created five extra Republican seats.

San Diego Democrats, including council member Marni von Wilpert, and former Obama official Ammar Campa-Najjar, are competing with Desmond in a crowded field. The top two vote-getters in the June primary will face off in the November general election, regardless of their party. Given the district makeup, Desmond is expected to secure one of those spots. With a local background in nonpartisan office, Desmond is a “formidable opponent” to Democrats, said Ross Pike, parliamentarian for the Democratic Club of Fallbrook. Desmond raised nearly $1.4 million by the end of last year and the main G

The district’s redistricting, which was approved in 2018, aimed to create more competitive seats in California, a state that has long been dominated by Democrats. However, the shift in the district’s demographics has not been as decisive as hoped, leaving Democrats with a challenging task. While Issa’s association with Trump made him a target for many voters, Desmond’s moderate reputation and established connections in the community could make him a more difficult candidate to defeat.

Von Wilpert, a former San Diego City Council member, has been a vocal critic of Issa and has positioned herself as a strong candidate to replace him. She has emphasized her focus on affordable healthcare and education, issues that resonate with many voters in the district. Campa-Najjar, on the other hand, has highlighted his experience in the Obama administration and his advocacy for veterans’ issues. Both candidates are seen as strong contenders, but their chances of success depend on their ability to unify the Democratic base and appeal to independent voters.

Desmond, meanwhile, has focused on his record as a county supervisor, where he has worked on infrastructure projects and supported local businesses. He has also emphasized his bipartisan approach, which has earned him support from some Democrats in the district. His fundraising prowess and name recognition could give him an edge in the primary, but he faces a formidable challenge from the Democrats.

As the primary approaches, the race for Issa’s seat has become a microcosm of the broader political landscape. Democrats are eager to capitalize on the opportunity to gain a seat in a district that has historically leaned Republican. However, their success will depend on their ability to unite behind a single candidate and present a compelling alternative to Desmond. The outcome of this race could have ripple effects on other contests in California and across the country, as both parties vie for control of Congress.

In the end, the fate of this closely watched seat will hinge on the voters’ decisions in June. For Democrats, the stakes are high, as they seek to flip a seat that has eluded them for years. But they must also contend with a formidable opponent who has the support of the community and the resources to mount a strong campaign. The race for Issa’s seat is far from over, and the outcome will be closely watched by political observers across the nation.