San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond announces run for Congress, challenging Rep. Mike Levin

Emily Alvarenga, The San Diego Union-Tribune on Jan 16, 2025

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SAN DIEGO — Supervisor Jim Desmond announced Thursday he is running for what has become one of the region’s most contested seats in Congress.

The Republican has set his sights on the 2026 race for the 49th Congressional District as he faces his term limit on the county Board of Supervisors.

“It’s time for change,” Desmond said in a statement Thursday. “We need leaders who will focus on delivering real solutions on immigration, public safety and homelessness.”

Although Democratic incumbent Mike Levin easily defeated his Republican challenger Matt Gunderson in the November general election, it was a high stakes race with national implications.

The district had leaned Republican for several years until Levin’s election in 2018 — but redistricting reduced its Democratic tilt, and it has since grown more competitive.

With Levin’s win in November, Democrats failed to retake the House, where Republicans held onto a bare majority even as they took control of the Senate and the presidency.

The seat could also be pivotal to control of the House in the 2026 midterm election.

Desmond says he’s running to “bring effective leadership and real results to Washington, D.C.,” amid “growing challenges” in the 49th District.

“It’s becoming unbearable to live in California,” he said in his statement. “The cost of living is driving working families and seniors out of this state.”

Desmond, who has lived in North County for more than 35 years, served as mayor of San Marcos for 12 years before being elected county supervisor.

He is also a U.S. Navy veteran and retired Delta Airline pilot.

“All my life, I’ve been a problem solver,” he said in a video. “I’m always focusing on practical solutions, accountability and common sense.”

Desmond said his priorities in Congress would include a strong military, a secure border and well-funded public safety and first responders. He also pledged to fight to reduce inflation, taxes, government spending and more.

The congressional district, which straddles San Diego and Orange counties, includes many of the same North County communities Desmond currently represents in District 5. The 49th includes the cities of Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar and more.