San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond Announces Run For Congress In 2026

San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond announced Thursday that he will be running for Congress in 2026, aiming to replace Congressman Mike Levin (D-CA) in the Southern Orange County/Northern San Diego County 49th District.

Desmond, a graduate of San Diego State University, began his career in the U.S. Navy. It was through his Naval career that he moved to San Diego in 1984. After leaving the Navy, he stayed in the area and became a pilot for Delta Airlines for the next 33 years. Desmond first entered politics while still a pilot, and was elected Mayor of  San Marcos in 2006. While he was reelected in 2010, he didn’t try for a third term, leaving office in 2014. However, following his retirement from Delta, Desmond set his sights on being elected to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in 2018.

While a Republican, Desmond ran as a nonpartisan, like all Supervisor candidates do, defeating Michelle Gomez in the general election 56%-44%. This was followed up by a reelection victory in 2022, winning with over 60% of the vote. As Supervisor, Desmond has been a major critic of Governor Gavin Newsom, an opponent of public transit investment, and, most notably, a huge proponent of border security.

In April of last year, he charged that the San Diego border crossing was the new epicenter for illegal immigration in the Country. In particular, he noted the major surge in illegal migrants there, the growing number of apprehensions, and human smugglers identifying the San Diego border sector as the path of least resistance for illegal immigration. In September of 2024, Desmond testified in a House Committee on the impacts of open border policies on San Diego County, saying that more needed to be done, and blaming the Biden administration for the huge influx situation at the border. And just last month, he was the only member of the Board to vote against San Diego County becoming a sanctuary County.

During this time in 2024, Congressman Levin was facing a major challenge in the election. Republicans had targeted his District as one of the most vulnerable for the Democrats in the state. In previous elections, Levin’s hold was so tenuous that the national party sent out people like President Joe Biden to stump for him just so he could stay in office. 2024 turned out to be no different, with Republican candidate Matt Gunderson virtually tying him in polls in mid-October. Democrats had to pour money in the campaign to avoid losing the seat, with Levin ultimately winning by just 17,000 votes in a 52%-48% finish. This outcome, however, only marked the seat as being even more vulnerable for 2026. Many political analysts added that if the GOP ran an experienced candidate in 2026, they could very well flip the seat because of Levin’s vulnerability.

With a weak Democratic hold on the district and Desmond hoping to do more on immigration, public safety, and homelessness, Desmond made the early announcement on Thursday that he would be running for the House seat in 2026.

Desmond running for Congress in 2026

“It’s becoming unbearable to live in California,” Desmond told the Globe Friday. “The cost of living is driving working families and seniors out of this state.”

In an earlier press release, Desmond said that he wanted to bring “bring effective leadership and real results to Washington, D.C. He noted his 12 years of elected experience in the area and in particular highlighted how he delivered results and prioritized public safety.”

“I’m running for Congress because it’s time for change,” added Desmond in the press release. “It’s time for common sense to return to our government. We need leaders who will focus on delivering real solutions on immigration, public safety, and homelessness. With my track record of leadership and proven ability to get results, I’m ready to bring your voice to Washington.”

Pollsters told the Globe that Desmond has a very good chance at winning against either Levin or another Democrat if Levin decides not to run in 2026.

“Levin declared pretty early,” said San Diego area pollster Gale Martin. “And that is one hell of an opening challenge. Gunderson did really well in 2024. If he had more of a base and more of a name, well, he could have won. Desmond has that.

“It is still very early. I mean, the election is, what, 22 months away? But the Democrats now know who the likely GOP challenger is, and it is a big one. Even the usual strategy of sending out a few big guns and dumping money into the race likely won’t cut it this time. Levin needs to move up a level and really prove himself in he next two years, or the Democrats bring in another big name. This is a seat they really don’t want to lose.

“Now, Desmond is a Trump supporter, and some of his stances are pretty strong. He needs to find a way to appeal to independents to win. That being said, we don’t know what the political landscape will be like yet. Trump hasn’t even been inaugurated yet. We don’t know what his new policies will be and what changes they’ll bring. Particularly immigration, as that is a big issue for Desmond.

“Still, surface level Desmond entering the race, it lays down a big challenge for Democrats next year. Desmond is a huge name with a big base there. It’s quite the early challenge.”