Boxer Steps Back Into the Arena to Boost Von Wilpert in High-Stakes CA-48 Showdown

Former United States Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) announces endorsement of Von Wilpert in the California Congressional District 48 race.

By San Diego Monitor News Staff

Former United States Senator Barbara Boxer traveled to San Diego to endorse Marni von Wilpert for Congress in California’s 48th Congressional District, injecting new momentum into a race that Democrats hope will flip Darrell Issa’s long-held Republican seat. Boxer called CA-48 a must-win district for Democrats and said von Wilpert is the strongest candidate to take on Issa in November.

During her visit, Boxer praised von Wilpert for her record on the San Diego City Council and her experience as a former Deputy City Attorney. She told supporters that von Wilpert had already proven she can win competitive races and deliver real results for working families. Boxer said von Wilpert is ready to take the fight to Washington, defeat Issa, rein in Trump, and help take the country back.

Von Wilpert thanked Boxer for the endorsement and emphasized how much is at stake in the district. She told the crowd that CA-48 residents deserve a representative who shows up for them and focuses on practical solutions, not partisan theatrics. She positioned herself as someone who understands local issues, from wildfire prevention to protecting consumers to supporting working people.

The Democratic primary in CA-48 is drawing unusual attention because several higher-profile Democrats are competing for the nomination. Among the candidates are Ammar Campa-Najjar, Abel Chavez, Nicholas Davis, Marc Iannarino, Curtis Morrison, Brian Nash, Ferguson Porter, Brandon Riker, and Whitney Shanahan. These names reflect the broad field of Democrats seeking to challenge Issa.

Democrats view the district as increasingly competitive, with shifting demographics and growing dissatisfaction with Issa creating a path to victory. Boxer’s endorsement signals that national Democrats want to consolidate support behind a candidate early and avoid a fractured primary that could weaken the party’s chances in November.

The event in San Diego highlighted the heightened urgency surrounding CA-48 as both parties prepare for a high-stakes election year. Boxer concluded her visit by reminding supporters that flipping the district is possible but only with the right candidate—one she believes is Marni von Wilpert.