San Diego Democrat Marni von Wilpert leads in 48th congressional race

San Diego County is set to have an entirely Democratic delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives after early returns showed Marni von Wilpert leading in the 48th congressional district race, according to the Times of San Diego.

The district, previously held by Republican Darrell Issa, was redrawn to include areas stretching north from North San Diego County into Riverside County, encompassing more Democratic-leaning communities such as Temecula, Hemet, and Palm Springs.

Von Wilpert, a San Diego City Council member, focused her campaign on workers' rights, healthcare, and cost of living issues, while her opponent, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, ran on a different platform.

Though the Associated Press had not yet officially called the race, von Wilpert’s commanding lead in early returns suggests she will be sworn in as the new representative for the district.

The redistricting measure, Proposition 50, played a role in reshaping the district and contributed to the Democratic pickup, marking a significant political shift for the area.