California Democrats split in House primary for 48th District

The Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC endorsed Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar in California's 48th District on Tuesday. The endorsement came after Democratic Majority for Israel spent on behalf of San Diego city council member Marni von Wilpert. The pro-Israel group opposed Campa-Najjar's positions on the Gaza conflict and cited his shift to the center in 2020.

Primary dynamics Campa-Najjar's allies worry that the split could allow two Republicans to advance to the general election in a district Kamala Harris narrowly carried. The district was redrawn to include parts of Palm Springs in north San Diego County after Rep.

Darrell Issa retired. Former Sen. Barbara Boxer, who backs von Wilpert, said the endorsement resulted from Campa-Najjar's relationship with Rep. Sara Jacobs. She also questioned his consistency on abortion rights, gun policy, and Medicare for All.

Campaign statements Progressive Caucus PAC co-chairs Reps.

Pramila Jayapal, Greg Casar, and Maxwell Frost said Campa-Najjar would be the only member of Congress who has lived in Gaza, where 30 members of his family have died. Campa-Najjar described himself as a proud progressive and noted his background as the son of a Palestinian immigrant and working-class Latina mother.

Polling and outlook A SurveyUSA poll released Thursday showed San Diego County supervisor Jim Desmond at 29 percent, GOP businessman Kevin O'Neil at 10 percent, and both Campa-Najjar and von Wilpert at 9 percent. Von Wilpert's campaign manager Jacob Ostacher said she is the strongest candidate to flip the seat and stand up to the current administration.

NRCC spokesman Christian Martinez said the Democratic contest reflects broader party challenges regardless of the outcome.