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California's 48th Congressional District election, 2026

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The boundaries of this district will change as a result of California Proposition 50, which voters approved on November 5, 2025. Click here to read more about the mid-decade redistricting effort in California and other states.


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California's 48th Congressional District
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General election
Election details
Filing deadline: March 6, 2026
Primary: June 2, 2026
General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times:

7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting in California

Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Toss-up
DDHQ and The Hill: Pending
Inside Elections: Toss-up
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Toss-up
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds
U.S. House battlegrounds
Federal and state primary competitiveness
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
California's 48th Congressional District
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California elections, 2026
U.S. Congress elections, 2026
U.S. Senate elections, 2026
U.S. House elections, 2026

All U.S. House districts, including the 48th Congressional District of California, are holding elections in 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

  • Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
  • Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House California District 48

The following candidates are running in the general election for U.S. House California District 48 on November 3, 2026.

Candidate
Image of Darrell Issa
Darrell Issa (R)
Image of Ammar Campa-Najjar
Ammar Campa-Najjar (D)
Image of Abel Chavez
Abel Chavez (D)
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Corinna Contreras (D)
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Submit photo
Nicholas Davis (D)
Image of Marc Iannarino
Marc Iannarino (D)
Image of Curtis Morrison
Curtis Morrison (D) Candidate Connection
Image of Brian Nash
Brian Nash (D)
Image of Ferguson Porter
Ferguson Porter (D)
Image of Brandon Riker
Brandon Riker (D)
Image of Whitney Shanahan
Whitney Shanahan (D)
Image of Marni von Wilpert
Marni von Wilpert (D)
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Mike Bucy (Independent)

Incumbents are bolded and underlined.

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Curtis Morrison

Image of Curtis Morrison

WebsiteFacebookXYouTube

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Raised in Southern Indiana, Curtis was a good kid, an Eagle Scout even. However, he embarked on an unconventional path, dropping out of college after his freshman year at Purdue University. After a couple of years in the pizza business, he built a real estate firm with his younger sister Rhonda. In his late 30's, Curtis earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville, working at times as a substitute teacher, and for UPS. After that, he did a year of social work school, and rotated between activism, blogging, and Kentucky politics, even running unsuccessfully for state senate in 2012. In 2014, Curtis was exposed as the source of a unflattering recording of Senator Mitch McConnell, leading to a politically-inspired FBI investigation triggered by McConnell. Curtis decided to make the best of the situation and moved to California to attend Whittier Law School. While studying abroad, Curtis met his husband and love of his life, Rodolfo. They'll be celebrating their 10th anniversary this summer.After graduating from law school, at 47 years old, Curtis moved to Oregon to work for a non-profit focused on climate change. In 2018, Curtis returned to Southern California to practice immigration law, eventually starting two law firms. His newest firm, Red Eagle Law, L.C., is based in Bonsall. It specializes in federal litigation on behalf of immigrant families, and employees attorneys and paralegals across the country. "

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

As an immigration attorney, Curtis helps people achieve the American Dream. But Curtis believes It’s not just immigrants who need advocates to achieve that Dream. More and more, our federal government has evolved into providing the best outcomes only for the rich, leaving the rest of us to fend for ourselves. It doesn’t have to be like this. The federal government can be a force for good, and deliver on the American Dream for everybody.

Curtis believes Congress should serve as a check and balance on the Executive branch, and that’s not happening with our current representation. While the incumbent, Rep. Darrell Issa, wrote a book called “Watchdog,” lately he has co-sponsored legislation to put President Trump’s picture on the $100 bill, nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, and sponsored a bill to help the Trump administration evade review by federal judges. Curtis doesn't think that is watchdog behavior, but rather, lapdog behavior.

People in this district depend upon the Affordable Care Act (as implemented through Covered California), Medicare, and Medicaid more than ever, but these programs are not perfect. Congress should be working on ways to improve outcomes from these programs, not on ways to dismantle and abolish them to fund tax cuts for the rich.

Voting information

See also: Voting in California

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

As an immigration attorney, Curtis helps people achieve the American Dream. But Curtis believes It’s not just immigrants who need advocates to achieve that Dream. More and more, our federal government has evolved into providing the best outcomes only for the rich, leaving the rest of us to fend for ourselves. It doesn’t have to be like this. The federal government can be a force for good, and deliver on the American Dream for everybody.

Curtis believes Congress should serve as a check and balance on the Executive branch, and that’s not happening with our current representation. While the incumbent, Rep. Darrell Issa, wrote a book called “Watchdog,” lately he has co-sponsored legislation to put President Trump’s picture on the $100 bill, nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, and sponsored a bill to help the Trump administration evade review by federal judges. Curtis doesn't think that is watchdog behavior, but rather, lapdog behavior.

People in this district depend upon the Affordable Care Act (as implemented through Covered California), Medicare, and Medicaid more than ever, but these programs are not perfect. Congress should be working on ways to improve outcomes from these programs, not on ways to dismantle and abolish them to fund tax cuts for the rich.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

CLIMATE CHANGE: We have a duty to future generations to ensure they have a climate capable of sustaining human life. Plus, sustainability is an opportunity that serves to make our country more prosperous.

DUE PROCESS OF LAW: Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to hurriedly disappear people to CECOT without due process of law is unlawful. Anyone on US soil deserves due process. Anything less is not who we are.

IMMIGRATION: Immigrants should be treated fairly, and with dignity and respect. This doesn’t mean everyone gets to come to the US. Rather, it means our immigration policies should be orderly, rational, and transparent.

FIRE PREVENTION: We must give firefighters our full support, and that means funding mitigation.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

An elected official needs to care about creating better outcomes for their constituents, while remaining loyal to the law and particularly the Constitution.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

I'm a critical thinker, and I have an eclectic approach to problem solving.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

I believe a member of Congress should do the work of reviewing and understanding what the executive branch is doing, and holding the executive branch accountable when its actions are unlawful.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

Just want to leave this place and the people here better than i found it.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

The 1974 Brandenburg, Kentucky tornado. We lived about 30 miles away. I just turned 5. I spent all night trying to call my grandparents in Brandenburg using a rotary dial phone, not realizing just how bad it was and why that the phone lines were down. Remarkably, everyone in my family survived, but we didn't know that for a whole very long day.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

McDonald's - 2 years during high school.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

Superman
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

Florida!!! by Taylor Swift
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

Having a healthy diet.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

The House is the most diverse branch of government, with representatives coming from all walks of life. At its best, this quality can lead to government solutions to big problems that cause no harm. It is hard work, but worth it.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

I believe it is beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in governmen. But also, it is beneficial for representatives to have experience with other issues, like immigration, for example.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

The US faces a lot of challenges over the coming decade, but how we prevent oligarchy from displacing our democracy has emerged as a frontrunner.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

Yes.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

I think there should be term limits on members of Congress, and in my view, that limit should be 5 terms max.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

There's not one representative I would model myself after, but several. Former members and members I admire include Bruce Morrison, Lee Hamilton, John Yarmuth, Joaquin Castro, Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Tlaib, Mike Levin, and Katie Porter.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

I've talked with 48th District seniors who are very scared about their healthcare and Social Security. The Trump administration has created so much chaos that people don't know what is next, and they are scared. It doens't have to be like this.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

Compromise is often necesssary, but at the end of the day, what we do has to leave people better than we found them and if we aren't doing that, then what's the point of compromise.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

To the extent I can weigh in on US tax policy, the rich need to pay their fair share.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

Yes, the House should use its investigative powers. That's part of checks and balances.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

House Oversight and Government Reform

Judiciary Foreign Affairs

Energy and Commerce
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/CurtisMorrison.png

Curtis Morrison (D)

Financial transparency is extremely important, especially in a post-Citizen's United world where the influence of dark money can sabotage a fair election.

I believe in government accountability, but think that's only possible with checks and balances where the congressional and judicial branches hold the executive branch accountable.

This is an especially important issue in this election, as the incumbent Darrell Issa has no interest in holding the executive branch accountable.


You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:

Campaign finance

Name Party Receipts* Disbursements** Cash on hand Date
Darrell Issa Republican Party $1,170,998 $327,031 $2,488,583 As of September 30, 2025
Ammar Campa-Najjar Democratic Party $465,186 $56,703 $408,544 As of September 30, 2025
Abel Chavez Democratic Party $136,959 $107,824 $29,135 As of September 30, 2025
Corinna Contreras Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Nicholas Davis Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Marc Iannarino Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Curtis Morrison Democratic Party $17,118 $14,454 $2,664 As of September 30, 2025
Brian Nash Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Ferguson Porter Democratic Party $63,492 $40,955 $22,538 As of September 30, 2025
Brandon Riker Democratic Party $1,299,270 $242,881 $1,056,388 As of September 30, 2025
Whitney Shanahan Democratic Party $2,930 $2,897 $229 As of September 30, 2025
Marni von Wilpert Democratic Party $226,854 $7,967 $218,887 As of September 30, 2025
Mike Bucy Independent $0 $0 $0 Data not available***

Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee."
** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election.
*** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

  • Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
  • Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
  • Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[1]
  • Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[2][3][4]

Race ratings: California's 48th Congressional District election, 2026
Race trackerRace ratings
12/2/202511/25/202511/18/202511/11/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy WalterToss-upToss-upToss-upToss-up
Decision Desk HQ and The HillPendingPendingPendingPending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. GonzalesToss-upToss-upToss-upToss-up
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal BallToss-upToss-upToss-upToss-up
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in California in the 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in California, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2026
State Office Party Signatures required Filing fee Filing deadline Source
California U.S. House All candidates 40-60 $1,740 3/6/2026 Source

Republican-held U.S. House district that Harris won

See also: U.S. House districts represented by a Republican in 2026 and won by Kamala Harris in 2024

This is one of nine U.S. House districts Republicans are defending that Kamala Harris (D) won in 2024. The map below highlights those districts. Hover over or click a district to see information such as the incumbent and the presidential vote counts.

District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.

2024

2022

2020

District analysis

This section will contain facts and figures related to this district's elections when those are available.

See also

California 2026 primaries 2026 U.S. Congress elections
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Ballot access

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
  2. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
  3. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
  4. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018


California's current delegation to the United States Congress
Senators
Alex Padilla (D)
Adam Schiff (D)
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
Ami Bera (D)
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
Adam Gray (D)
District 14
District 15
District 16
District 17
Ro Khanna (D)
District 18
District 19
District 20
District 21
Jim Costa (D)
District 22
District 23
District 24
District 25
Raul Ruiz (D)
District 26
District 27
District 28
Judy Chu (D)
District 29
Luz Rivas (D)
District 30
District 31
District 32
District 33
District 34
District 35
District 36
Ted Lieu (D)
District 37
District 38
District 39
District 40
Young Kim (R)
District 41
District 42
District 43
District 44
District 45
District 46
District 47
Dave Min (D)
District 48
District 49
District 50
District 51
District 52
Democratic Party (45)
Republican Party (9)


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