California's 48th Congressional District election, 2026

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California's 48th Congressional District
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: Solid Republican DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
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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
		Darrell Issa (R)
		Ammar Campa-Najjar (D)
	Submit photo	Nicholas Davis (D)
		Anuj Dixit (D)
		Curtis Morrison (D)
		Brian Nash (D)
		Whitney Shanahan (D)
		Suzanne Till (D)
	Submit photo	Marni von Wilpert (D)
		Albert James Mora (No party preference)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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

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. "

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Key Messages

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

Albert James Mora

Party: No party preference

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Albert Mora is a retired investment banker and corporate treasury officer. Albert's candidacy for the 48th Congressional District of California is his first entry into politics. Albert is a balanced, centrist candidate whose supporters represent views across the political spectrum. Albert was born and raised in East Chicago, Indiana and moved to Southern California in 1997. He is a maternal fourth-generation American and paternal second-generation Mexican-American. He has five children. Albert received a bachelors degree in business administration from Purdue University and MBA from the University of Chicago. Albert’s 25-year Fortune 100 career involved travel and over $75 billion in currency, stock, bond, and derivatives transactions across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa."

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Key Messages

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

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I am humanity's biggest fan. We discovered everything from fire to relativity and proliferated to 8 billion beautiful, unique souls around the globe. We are the wonder of the sacred, infinite universe. I am here to connect, learn, inform, and inspire individuals, communities, and nations to hurdle every exciting new opportunity!

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The U.S. Constitution is the greatest document ever written. The Constitution laid the foundation for America evolving into the greatest nation in history and set the template for lovers of democracy and freedom around the world. I shall advocate for every American to support our magnificent Constitution.

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My first value is to value everyone. My first objective is to motivate every American to revere and live by the U.S. Constitution. My first principle is balance. I am for a secure border balanced by humane treatment and increased legalization of immigrants. A strong economy balanced by smart regulation. Protection of the environment balanced with building a clean energy industry. Protection of unborn children balanced with respect for women’s rights. Support of the needy balanced with rewarding merit. Support of the right to bear arms balanced with protecting communities - especially students. We hurdle highest when in balance. I am here for all Americans. This defines a leader in the spirit of freedom and democracy.

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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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

I am humanity's biggest fan. We discovered everything from fire to relativity and proliferated to 8 billion beautiful, unique souls around the globe. We are the wonder of the sacred, infinite universe. I am here to connect, learn, inform, and inspire individuals, communities, and nations to hurdle every exciting new opportunity!

The U.S. Constitution is the greatest document ever written. The Constitution laid the foundation for America evolving into the greatest nation in history and set the template for lovers of democracy and freedom around the world. I shall advocate for every American to support our magnificent Constitution.

My first value is to value everyone. My first objective is to motivate every American to revere and live by the U.S. Constitution. My first principle is balance.

I am for a secure border balanced by humane treatment and increased legalization of immigrants. A strong economy balanced by smart regulation. Protection of the environment balanced with building a clean energy industry. Protection of unborn children balanced with respect for women’s rights. Support of the needy balanced with rewarding merit. Support of the right to bear arms balanced with protecting communities - especially students. We hurdle highest when in balance.

I am here for all Americans. This defines a leader in the spirit of freedom and democracy.

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.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

Promotion of the U.S. Constitution, international American partnership and leadership, education, jobs and technical training, free trade / low tariffs / stable economies, borders & immigration, global warming / clean energy / fire mitigation, affordable housing and health care, human rights, omnipresent U.S. military.

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.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

I have many historical and modern heroes including Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Michelangelo, Galileo, Shakespeare, Captain James Cook, George Washington, Mozart, Beethoven, Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, Lawrence of Arabia, Winston Churchill, Max Planck, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Cole Porter, Katharine Hepburn, Babe Ruth, David Lean, Little Richard, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, James Brown, Elvis, Pelé, and Michael Jordan. They all inspired me to reach as far as I could. I am the son of a steel mill craneman who had a 25-year international institutional capital markets career.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

My political philosophy is based on basic human decency and balance of power, and offers hope.

I’m not referring to balance of power among three branches of government. I am referring to balance of power between individuals and the government.

To the extent a people are self-determined, cooperative, and productive, they thrive with less government – they earn their freedom. And to the extent a government has skill, resources, and good intent, the more it will be embraced by its citizens.

The ideal is a system of government that strikes a sustainable balance between unhampered individual freedom and government involvement and control.

The Founding Fathers showed their trust in basic human decency by rejecting authoritarianism and pushing the balance of power to the individual, with the opportunity to participate in leadership. The millions who came from every corner to create the greatest nation in history proved that the Founding Fathers’ faith in universal human decency was well-placed.

Gradually in degrees the U.S. government’s power has increased at the expense of the individual, until Americans voted a non-politician into office in 2016 and 2024. But rather than empowering individuals, he is concentrating greater power in himself.

So where is the hope?

Right before our eyes. Look around as you go through your day, and most of us will plainly see the decency in which the Founding Fathers laid the fate of the nation. Knowing full well that we live among individuals with varying political views, most of us work, study, play, and love without reference to political orientation, as we have for generations, and as we shall for generations.

The exact path is not knowable, but I believe basic human decency will swing the balance of power back to the American people. I will message, inspire, and beckon voters into the sensible, balanced center.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

The most important principles for an elected official are idealism, trustworthiness, patriotism, optimism, empathy, balance, and absolute belief in basic human freedom and rights.

The long list of important characteristics for an elected official includes knowledge of world and U.S. history and the Constitution; knowledge of your respective geography / community; forming, communicating, and being guided by a cohesive philosophy, worldview, and decision-making framework; ability to negotiate; knowledge of 'how the world really works' and 'who to call' in government, business, and around the world; ability to multitask, partner, and delegate; knowledge of economics, public and private institutions, public finances, capital markets, and regulatory regimes; geo-military knowledge and strategy formation; knowledge of science and technology; understanding the U.S. education system, healthcare, energy, and other major industries; and support of public and private national and international humanitarian causes.

A successful elected official is empathetic, intelligent, hardworking, flexible, creative, resourceful, resilient, optimistic, energetic, and courageous.

The most important characteristic for an elected official is that they be driven by love.

Love of family, community, America, humankind, and life itself are my fuel.

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.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

My combination of attributes are unique and suit me well to succeed as a candidate and legislator.

I am balanced. I understand views and am a natural partner across the political spectrum. All of my friends and family who extend from extreme left to extreme right strongly support my candidacy because they trust and believe in me. I am a unifier in the face of 24/7 divisiveness.

I grew up in a diverse, blue collar steel mill community in East Chicago, Indiana, and I speak Spanish, which enables me to connect with constituents of any background.

I am a worker. I began working hard at age six and have never stopped. My many jobs include paperboy, bus boy, stock boy, steel mill laborer, mechanic, musician, research engineer, city cash manager, corporate treasurer, consultant, recruiter, and investment banker. In the course of my career I transacted and walked around the world.

I am a seasoned executive. In my profession I worked daily with leaders of Fortune 100 banks and corporations.

I enjoy public speaking. I enjoy sharing knowledge, interchange, banter, humor, and inspiring people.

I love the people of the United States of America as I do all of our human family. I love that we are the nation of immigrants who built the greatest nation on Earth. I live in deep gratitude to have been born and raised, and to someday die in the United States of America.

My family are history buffs and I have studied world history, science, and philosophy from a young age. Through my travel and reading I am able to interact with persons from around the world.

Curtis Morrison (D)

I'm a critical thinker, and I have an eclectic approach to problem solving.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

The core responsibilities of a U.S. congressperson are to understand their job description, powers and limitations, stay informed and engaged, prioritize, gather and share knowledge, conceive and promote legislation, and cast congressional votes.

An effective congressperson has two-way communication with constituents, utilizes all media including web site, writing editorials, publishing books, and taking interviews. An effective congressman is present, accessible, and responsive to their community.

An effective congressperson recruits and leads skillful staff in performing daily congressional duties and partnering with other lawmakers.

A great congressperson serves with gratitude and dignity, exudes optimism, and instills hope.

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.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

Through my personal life and work I have consciously sought to build a legacy of partnership, mutual respect, hard work, gratitude, and love of my fellow human beings. As an official I aspire to add to my legacy that of being an American patriot.

Curtis Morrison (D)

Just want to leave this place and the people here better than i found it.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

I watched JFK’s funeral march on TV on November 25, 1963 along with my parents, who I saw cry for the first and last time. I didn’t understand it at the time, but through the years I attached to the romantic notions of the Kennedy family story and mourned this tragic moment in American and world history.

I am profoundly impacted to this day with the sense that life is fragile for everyone from the meek to the powerful. Sentient life is the Universe's great miracle and I live in deep gratitude.

I was five years old.

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.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

Gopher and farmhand during summer vacations on family farms in Mexico. Ages 6, 9, and 12.

Curtis Morrison (D)

McDonald's - 2 years during high school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

My favorite book is one of many I've read about Lawrence of Arabia, titled "Hero: The Life and Legend of Lawrence of Arabia" by Michael Korda, pub. 2010. The book is a comprehensive labor of love about one of my greatest influences and heroes.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

Me. I'd like to inspire some young writer to create a fictional character based on my life.

Curtis Morrison (D)

Superman

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

I am a songwriter. The last song that stuck in my head, I titled 'Take 1', which means every moment in life is a first-take, an improvisational opportunity to be remembered and cherished.

Curtis Morrison (D)

Florida!!! by Taylor Swift

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

I call myself the luckiest person I know. My life has generally not been a struggle, it has been a series of adventurous chapters. From an infant, I experienced great love and support from my parents, who often told me I was destined to be President of the United States. I received a wonderful education. I played lots of sports and remain fit. And as I’ve shared I received a great education and have worked around the world. I have five wonderful children, three grandchildren, and a new great-grandchild. Life has handed me sadness, insecurity and mourning at times, as it does everyone. But there is no major thing that has been a struggle. I love this life, embrace it for everything it is, and encourage that in others.

Curtis Morrison (D)

Having a healthy diet.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

The House of Representatives is unique as the federal government’s ears on the ground and the local community’s voice in Washington, D.C. The number of Representatives offers diversity of views and talent. The House holds the purse, legislates in partnership with the Senate, and tamps executive abuse of power. Serving in the House is also a viable career path toward state governorship, the senate, or presidency.

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.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

I am sure it is beneficial for representatives to have previous political experience. At the same time, by sheer numbers, the House offers opportunity for new entrants into national politics. I am a prime example. I am a seasoned international business professional. Given my education and experience, I am qualified to contribute to the national conversation. The House offers me an opportunity to gain political experience and support, and contribute in my own community as preparation for possible growth of my political career.

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.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

America's greatest opportunities over the next decade are a return to Constitutional adherence; promotion of human rights and freedom; securing borders while legalizing productive immigrants; protecting Planet Earth's sustenance of life; promoting international cooperation and commerce; reducing crime and substance abuse; expanding affordable housing and healthcare; controlling firearms; preventing cybercrime; exploiting and controlling artificial intelligence; and not least upgrading education and training.

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.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

Yes.

Curtis Morrison (D)

Yes.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

I am undecided as to whether term limits would serve the American people and what form might work.

I value the energy, up-to-date education, current cultural connection, and skills of younger participants.

At the same time, numerous public servants have contributed robustly well into seniority, and the nation has benefitted from their experience, connections, and accumulated influence.

I will think more and correspond with congressional colleagues, thinkers, and constituents on the subject.

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.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

I have long been impressed by numerous representatives, and more so since I started my candidacy. I admire their outstanding TV interviews, knowledge of issues, connection to their constituents, and hard work. Representatives are the ultimate hand-shakers and while I enjoy it, I also find it challenging. In terms of modeling myself, I hope I can rise to the dignity and patriotism of Liz Cheney, who I have watched place America before self and party. And although her father Dick Cheney was not a congressman and some of our views don’t align, I am also extremely inspired by his courage and patriotism.

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.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

Yes! From my May 22, 2025 Times of San Diego interview:

I had a memorable conversation with a Republican voter who lives in Julian as she texted her husband about her increasing concern over the Trump administration’s unpredictability. When her husband texted pro-Trump answers, she wasn’t reassured.

At the same time, she shared that she was feeling intimidated by increasing peer pressure from Democratic friends and family. What a conundrum.

When I told her I respected her right to vote as she saw fit, her fearful expression gave way to a glimmer of hope, and she thanked me warmly.

When a gay person shared a public humiliation dealt personally by Darrell Issa, we hugged.

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.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

It's terrible but I admit it killed me when David Letterman told it. He was broadcasting from a Las Vegas casino. "I was running late on my way to the set today through the casino hoping no one would recognize me. Inevitably some character yelled, ‘Mister Letterman! Mister Letterman!’ I ignored him and sped up, but of course he raced ahead and stopped me and said, ‘Mister Letterman I came here because my wife is very ill and she needs medicine immediately. I need three hundred dollars! Can you give me three hundred dollars?’ I said, ‘What do you take me for! Some fool? What assurance do I have that you won’t take the three hundred and gamble it at a crap table?’ The guy said, ‘Don’t worry, I got money for that.’”

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

What others call compromise I call synergizing. What others call debate I call conversation. What others call negotiation I call closure. What others call politicking I call policymaking. These are the art of professional political leadership.

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.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

If I elected I will be an uncompromising supporter of congressional leaders and efforts to retain the constitutional responsibility for originating revenue in the House. [The Constitution gives the House the exclusive power to originate revenue-raising bills because members are directly elected by and accountable to the people. With my MBA and 25 years of global capital markets experience, if elected I will prioritize applying my specialized economic and analytical skills and diligence to this duty. I will ensure revenue policies are effective and accountable for my district and all Americans. I hope to fill this role serving as a member or by supporting relevant committees including Appropriations, Budget, and Financial Services.]

Curtis Morrison (D)

To the extent I can weigh in on US tax policy, the rich need to pay their fair share.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

The House should assertively and responsibly exercise its investigative powers to evaluate any elected federal official, up to and including the President, for adherence to the spirit and letter of the Constitution, American political tradition, and service to the American people. The results of House investigations can provide the basis for impeaching an official; upon impeachment, the House notifies the Senate, where the official is tried.

Curtis Morrison (D)

Yes, the House should use its investigative powers. That's part of checks and balances.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

None thus far.

What committees interest you?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

House Budget, Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, and Financial Services.

Curtis Morrison (D)

House Oversight and Government Reform

Judiciary Foreign Affairs

Energy and Commerce

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Albert James Mora (No party preference)

I support individuals making publicly available all of their financial activity and tax filings during campaigning and tenure in office. I support full accountability for public officers on whom voters bestow trust and the honor of public office.

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:

• Brian Nash
• Whitney Shanahan

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Darrell Issa	Republican Party	$780,015	$190,760	$2,233,871	As of June 30, 2025
Ammar Campa-Najjar	Democratic Party	$4,772	$4,832	$0	As of February 18, 2025
Nicholas Davis	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Anuj Dixit	Democratic Party	$302,116	$28,516	$273,600	As of June 30, 2025
Curtis Morrison	Democratic Party	$10,518	$8,755	$1,763	As of June 30, 2025
Brian Nash	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Whitney Shanahan	Democratic Party	$2,850	$2,846	$200	As of June 30, 2025
Suzanne Till	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Marni von Wilpert	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Albert James Mora	No party preference	$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.
• 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.

Race ratings: California's 48th Congressional District election, 2026
Race tracker	Race ratings
	9/9/2025	9/2/2025	8/26/2025	8/19/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill	Pending	Pending	Pending	Pending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican
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

This section will contain information on ballot access related to this state's elections when it is available.

District history

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

2024

See also: California's 48th Congressional District election, 2024

California's 48th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 top-two primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 48

Incumbent Darrell Issa defeated Stephen Houlahan in the general election for U.S. House California District 48 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Darrell Issa (R)	59.3	213,625
		Stephen Houlahan (D)	40.7	146,665

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 360,290
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 48

The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. House California District 48 on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Darrell Issa (R)	62.4	111,510
✔		Stephen Houlahan (D)	14.9	26,601
		Whitney Shanahan (D)	12.2	21,819
		Mike Simon (D)	7.2	12,950
		Matthew Rascon (D)	2.2	3,988
		Lucinda Jahn (No party preference)	1.1	1,959

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 178,827
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2022

See also: California's 48th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 48

Incumbent Darrell Issa defeated Stephen Houlahan in the general election for U.S. House California District 48 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Darrell Issa (R)	60.4	155,171
		Stephen Houlahan (D)	39.6	101,900

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 257,071
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 48

Incumbent Darrell Issa and Stephen Houlahan defeated Matthew Rascon and Lucinda Jahn in the primary for U.S. House California District 48 on June 7, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Darrell Issa (R)	61.5	101,280
✔		Stephen Houlahan (D)	27.8	45,740
		Matthew Rascon (D)	9.1	14,983
		Lucinda Jahn (Independent)	1.6	2,614

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 164,617
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Chris Balasinski (Independent)
• Harley Rouda (D)
• Mari Barosay (D)

2020

See also: California's 48th Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 48

Michelle Steel defeated incumbent Harley Rouda in the general election for U.S. House California District 48 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Michelle Steel (R)	51.1	201,738
		Harley Rouda (D)	48.9	193,362

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 395,100
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 48

The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. House California District 48 on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Harley Rouda (D)	46.7	99,659
✔		Michelle Steel (R)	34.9	74,418
		Brian Burley (R)	12.1	25,884
		Richard Mata (American Independent Party of California)	2.7	5,704
		John Schuesler (R)	2.3	4,900
		James Griffin (R)	1.3	2,714

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 213,279
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Hans Keirstead (D)
• Tami Murillo (R)
• Christopher Michael Engels (R)
• Caleb Sturges (R)
• Scott Baugh (R)

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
California congressional delegation Voting in California California elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018	Democratic primary battlegrounds Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries	U.S. Congress elections U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access

External links

• Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes

[show]

California's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Alex Padilla (D)

Adam Schiff (D)

Representatives

District 1

Doug LaMalfa (R)

District 2

Jared Huffman (D)

District 3

Kevin Kiley (R)

District 4

Mike Thompson (D)

District 5

Tom McClintock (R)

District 6

Ami Bera (D)

District 7

Doris Matsui (D)

District 8

John Garamendi (D)

District 9

Josh Harder (D)

District 10

Mark DeSaulnier (D)

District 11

Nancy Pelosi (D)

District 12

Lateefah Simon (D)

District 13

Adam Gray (D)

District 14

Eric Swalwell (D)

District 15

Kevin Mullin (D)

District 16

Sam Liccardo (D)

District 17

Ro Khanna (D)

District 18

Zoe Lofgren (D)

District 19

Jimmy Panetta (D)

District 20

Vince Fong (R)

District 21

Jim Costa (D)

District 22

David Valadao (R)

District 23

Jay Obernolte (R)

District 24

Salud Carbajal (D)

District 25

Raul Ruiz (D)

District 26

Julia Brownley (D)

District 27

George Whitesides (D)

District 28

Judy Chu (D)

District 29

Luz Rivas (D)

District 30

Laura Friedman (D)

District 31

Gil Cisneros (D)

District 32

Brad Sherman (D)

District 33

Pete Aguilar (D)

District 34

Jimmy Gomez (D)

District 35

Norma Torres (D)

District 36

Ted Lieu (D)

District 37

Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D)

District 38

Linda Sánchez (D)

District 39

Mark Takano (D)

District 40

Young Kim (R)

District 41

Ken Calvert (R)

District 42

Robert Garcia (D)

District 43

Maxine Waters (D)

District 44

Nanette Barragán (D)

District 45

Derek Tran (D)

District 46

Lou Correa (D)

District 47

Dave Min (D)

District 48

Darrell Issa (R)

District 49

Mike Levin (D)

District 50

Scott Peters (D)

District 51

Sara Jacobs (D)

District 52

Juan Vargas (D)

Democratic Party (45)

Republican Party (9)

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