No re-election run for Issa; Desmond moves seats

In a somewhat surprising (or not so surprising, actually) turn of political events, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, who previously announced he was running for Congress in the 49th District held by Democrat Mike Levin, abruptly yesterday withdrew from that race and instead filed paperwork to run in the 48th District, the seat currently occupied by fellow Republican Darrell Issa.

Issa’s district, recently redrawn following Prop 50 to be more competitive for a Democrat challenger, was being eyed by several serious potential candidates — all with a D by their names. That includes former candidate Ammar Campa-Najjar and San Diego City Councilmember Marni Von-Wilpert.

The Desmond move meant only one thing to political wonks. Issa, whose future as a San Diego rep has been on-and-off-and-back-on-again for several months — including while he intimated he may try for a Congressional run in Texas — would not file for reelection by today’s 5 p.m. deadline.

So… off again. Now officially.

With the filing deadline now past in the Issa seat, it means that all other candidates would typically have a five-day extension to consider their options until next Wednesday, March 11. However, it appears the Secretary of State is likely interpreting the recent Prop 50-driven redistricting as the area being — technically — a “new” seat with no incumbent, Issa or not. So, no filing extension. (See added update below.)

We’ll see how that one plays out and, thus, whether any other candidates are allowed to hop in following today — those types who often come out of the floorboards as a result of not having to take on an incumbent.

In the meantime, Republican Armen Kurdian, previously announced as running for State Senate against incumbent Democrat incumbent Catherine Blakespear, has pulled out of that race and now has eyes on Congress in the 49th District. Meaning… against Congressman Levin, against whom Desmond was running prior to all of this.

Are we tracking?

There’s no doubt been a few interesting behind the scenes conversations going on the last several days.

More to follow.
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Congressman Issa subsequently posted this statement.

Supervisor Jim Desmond made this statement.

Armen Kurdian statement on running for Congress.

3/7/26 Update:

As referenced in the article, yesterday the Secretary of State’s office told the Registrar of Voters’ office there would be no five day filing extension in the 48th District, as it technically is a new seat as a result of Prop 50 redistricting, whether or not Issa chooses to run for re-election.

Following close of filing, they “flipped” on that very questionable opinion. A five-day extension is allowed. Don’t be surprised if other names join the race.