U.S. Congress

U.S. House of Representatives, 48th District


Incumbent
Darrell Issa

Darrell Issa

Republican | Birthdate: Nov 01, 1953 (Age 70)

Representative, U.S. Congress
District Analysis
District map

Congressional District 48, spanning portions of Riverside and San Diego Counties and encompassing the cities of Murrieta, Poway, Santee, Temecula, and parts of Escondido and La Mesa, is a district that showcases a significant portion of eastern San Diego County's diverse geographical landscape. This district is characterized by its mix of agricultural lands, open spaces, public lands, and areas designated for recreational activities.

Murrieta and Temecula, located in Riverside County, are known for their suburban communities and are rapidly growing due to their appeal as family-friendly cities with a high quality of life. Temecula, in particular, is famous for its vineyards and wineries, contributing to the district's agricultural profile.

Poway, branded as 'The City in the Country', embodies a mix of suburban living and rural charm. Its extensive trail system and outdoor recreational opportunities are indicative of the district's focus on open spaces and natural environments.

Santee, a city in San Diego County, offers a suburban lifestyle with its numerous parks and recreational areas. The city serves as a commercial hub for the eastern region of the county, providing a balance between residential life and economic activities.

Escondido and La Mesa, though only partially included, add to the district's suburban-rural mix. Escondido is known for its vibrant downtown area and cultural attractions like the California Center for the Arts, while La Mesa offers a small-town feel with its quaint downtown village and community-focused atmosphere.

The district is marked by its agricultural lands, emphasizing the importance of farming and viticulture in the region. These areas not only contribute to the local economy but also maintain the district's connection to its rural roots.

Recreational activities are abundant in this district, facilitated by its diverse landscapes, including foothills, mountain ranges, and open public lands. This variety in terrain offers residents and visitors a wide range of outdoor experiences, from hiking and biking to wine tasting.

Major transportation corridors such as Interstate 8, Highway 76, and Interstate 15 are crucial in this district. These routes connect the less urbanized and rural communities in the east to the more urbanized areas in southern San Diego County. This connectivity is vital for commuting and accessing educational, health, and social services.

In summary, Congressional District 48 stands out for its blend of suburban communities, agricultural richness, and natural landscapes. The district's emphasis on open space and recreational opportunities, combined with its vital transportation links, make it a distinctive and diverse area within the San Diego region, balancing urban amenities with rural and natural charm.

Candidate Last Report Total Raised Total Spent Debt Cash-on-Hand Net COH
headshot Stephen Houlahan (D)
Registered Nurse
03-31-24 $18,642.44 $17,746.10 $0.00 $7,924.45 $7,924.45
headshot Darrell Issa* (R)
Representative, U.S. Congress
03-31-24 $950,390.91 $526,428.75 $5,081,387.99 $1,178,273.03 -$3,903,114.96
* = Incumbent(s)
475,029 Registered Voters as of 02/20/24 R +10.92%
DEM %
30
142,259 Voters
REP %
41
194,110 Voters
OTHER %
29
138,660 Voters
District Historical Candidate Performance
Election DEM REP Margin
2022 Gubernatorial Newsom - 38.1% Dahle - 61.9% R +23.8%
2020 Presidential Biden - 42.7% Trump - 55.0% R +12.30%
2018 Gubernatorial Newsom - 38.3% Cox - 61.7% R +23.40%
2016 Presidential Clinton - 37.2% Trump - 57.1% R +19.90%
2020 Census Data
Total Population Total White Hispanic Black Asian Native Pacific
758,617 53.3% 29.4% 4.9% 10.2% 4.2% 1.0%

2024 Primary Election Results (March 5, 2024)
Name Votes Vote % Vote Share
Darrell Issa (R) 111,510 62.36%
Stephen Houlahan (D) 26,601 14.88%
Whitney Shanahan (D) 21,819 12.2%
Mike Simon (D) 12,950 7.24%
Matthew Rascon (D) 3,988 2.23%
Luncinda KWH Jahn (DTS) 1,959 1.1%
2022 General Election Results (November 8, 2022)
Name Votes Vote % Vote Share
Darrell Issa (R) 155,171 60.36%
Stephen Houlahan (D) 101,900 39.64%
2022 Primary Election Results (June 7, 2022)
Name Votes Vote % Vote Share
Darrell Issa (R) 101,280 61.52%
Stephen Houlahan (D) 45,740 27.79%
Matthew Rascon (DTS) 14,983 9.1%
Lucinda Jahn (DTS) 2,614 1.59%