FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2025
Democrat prepares for a rematch against Rep. Darrell Issa in anticipation of the passage of new congressional maps this November.
San Diego, CA – Former Department of Labor official, educator, and U.S. Navy Officer Ammar Campa-Najjar officially filed paperwork to run for Congress in California’s proposed 48th Congressional District, which includes San Marcos and Escondido, two purple battleground cities Ammar previously carried.
Campa-Najjar previously ran in the San Diego and Temecula portion of the new CA-48 against Duncan Hunter, securing 48.3 percent of the vote. He then ran against Issa in 2020, securing 46 percent of the vote and building a grassroots movement of thousands of volunteers and supporters. With the possibility of new district lines on the horizon, he says it’s time to complete the mission.
“This campaign is about making sure that all families, from San Diego to Riverside, have a representative who works for them,” said Campa-Najjar. “That’s why I’ve officially filed to run in CA-48. If the proposed maps are approved, I’ll be on the ballot, ready to represent this community and fight for a fair economy, affordable healthcare, and take on corruption. Families here deserve someone who will put them first.”
Campa-Najjar enters the race with strong early support from Democratic leaders across California and the nation, including endorsements from Representatives Mike Levin (CA-49), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Derek Tran (CA-45), David Min (CA-47), and Congressional Leadership Representative and Chairman Emeritus of the Congressional Black Caucus, Representative Steven Horsford (NV-04).
Rep. Mike Levin focused on Campa-Najjar’s motivation for seeking public office:
“Ammar Campa-Najjar has repeatedly shown that he has the courage and ability to take on tough fights. But more importantly, he’s running for the right reasons — to complete the mission, put people before politics, and deliver real results. His military service reflects the discipline and accountability we need in Congress, and his vision for working families, veterans, and a sustainable future will make a real difference. That’s why I’m proud to endorse him, and it will be an honor to serve alongside Congressman Campa-Najjar.”
Rep. Veronica Escobar praised Campa-Najjar’s record and leadership:
“I'm honored to endorse Ammar for Congress. As a third-generation El Pasoan who taught English and then led county government before serving in Congress, I know what it takes to connect with our communities and fight for real progress. Ammar's record of service, including to our military, shows his leadership under pressure and commitment to justice. I look forward to standing alongside him in Congress.”
Rep. David Min emphasized Campa-Najjar’s ability to win in a tough district:
“I'm proud to endorse Ammar Campa-Najjar for Congress. I first met Ammar in 2017 when he was running for Congress, and having myself run and won in a competitive swing seat, I know Ammar has what it takes to win in a tough race. Ammar's experience and military service reflect the work ethic, discipline, and leadership needed to win this seat. He will bring those values to this race and to Washington as CA-48's next congressman.”
Rep. Derek Tran highlighted Campa-Najjar’s military service and commitment to community:
“As an army veteran, small business owner, and Congressman representing California, I know what it takes to fight and win tough battles. Ammar has hard-earned experience fighting and winning key areas of the district before, and he's never stopped standing up for working families and reminding people what unites us. As a Navy officer and proven leader, he understands service, sacrifice, and the stakes for our communities.”
Rep. Steven Horsford underscored the type of leadership Campa-Najjar would bring to Washington:
“Ammar Campa-Najjar is an exceptional person to represent his community in California's 48th Congressional District. As a frontline member, I know exactly what it takes to win and deliver for constituents – and Ammar has it. He's a naval officer, a force for good, and a coalition builder. He represents the type of leadership we need in Congress: a uniter, who will deliver for families, and hold himself and others accountable. I'm proud to endorse Ammar for Congress, and I look forward to working with him on Capitol Hill.”
Campa-Najjar emphasized priorities including lowering the cost of living, protecting reproductive freedom, supporting veterans, investing in infrastructure, and tackling climate change. He also pointed to his record of building coalitions across party lines and his focus on delivering practical solutions instead of partisan gridlock.
“The people of CA-48 deserve leadership that is present, accountable, and rooted in our community,” Campa-Najjar added. “I’m proud to stand with Californians from all walks of life who are ready for new leadership and a brighter future.”
About Ammar Campa-Najjar
Ammar Campa-Najjar was born and raised in San Diego County. The son of a working-class single mother, he worked his way through college before serving in the Obama Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor, and currently serves as a United States naval officer and will be teaching in the fall.