With just days left before the November 2026 general election, the latest fundraising reports highlight how donors and outside groups are positioning themselves in San Diego’s most closely watched contests. The data, current through mid‑October, underscores a growing financial advantage for Democratic candidates across congressional, city‑council, and county‑supervisor races.
48th Congressional District: A Democratic Surge
Republican‑held seats were reshaped by Proposition 50, and the newly drawn 48th District became a focal point for both parties. Republican County Supervisor Jim Desmond faces San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert. Von Wilpert has raised $4.97 million, while Desmond has collected $3.18 million. The gap widened after July 1, with von Wilpert pulling in $2,791,704 compared to Desmond’s $919,136.
National party spending mirrors this trend. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has contributed $1,220,643 on behalf of von Wilpert, slightly less than the $1,351,950 the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has spent for Desmond. However, the NRCC’s outlays have sharply declined, dropping from $1,018,579 in September to $333,370 in the first half of October.
Independent expenditures tell a clearer story. Outside groups have spent roughly $7.4 million supporting von Wilpert versus $535,623 for Desmond – a near 14‑to‑1 disparity. Since Oct. 15, $1.11 million has gone to von Wilpert, while Desmond received only $13,931, suggesting Republican outside groups are pulling back.
County Supervisor District 5: Rebecca Jones Leads the Pack
The primary saw San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones capture 38.3 percent of the vote, outpacing Kyle Krahel (22.1 percent) and Vista Mayor John Franklin (18.2 percent). Since July 1, Jones has raised $343,907, dwarfing Krahel’s $25,285. Outside groups have also favored Jones, spending $132,738 for her compared to $2,390 for Krahel.
State Assembly District 2: Richard Bailey’s Funding Edge
Republican Richard Bailey has built a sizable war chest, raising $366,781 since his campaign launch, while Democrat Nicole Crosby has collected $102,010. July‑on‑July figures show Bailey adding $89,759 versus Crosby’s $29,147.
Bailey’s outside support totals $568,499, with a single donor, Steven Richter, contributing $700,000 to his main committee. Crosby’s backing comes from labor groups, including the Laborers and Municipal Employees Association, which have spent $286,380 in her favor and $219,500 against Bailey.
City Council Races: Mixed Funding Landscapes
Incumbent Kent Lee (District 4) has raised $127,722 since Jan. 1, 2025, while challenger Mark Powell (District 4) has gathered $96,503 since Jan. 1, 2026. Since July 1, Powell has out‑raised Lee by roughly $33,000 to $12,000, though outside spending remains modest, with groups spending $55,679 to support Lee and $11,272 to oppose Powell.
In District 8, the race between Democrats Antonio Martinez and Gerardo Ramirez has attracted the most independent spending of any council contest. Both candidates have raised similar amounts—Ramirez $123,414 and Martinez $125,862—but outside groups have heavily favored Ramirez, spending $803,886 for him and $302,050 against Martinez. Martinez’s allies have contributed $239,087 to his campaign and $146,598 against Ramirez.
Other Notable Races
In the District 6 race, Henry Foster raised $112,142 through June 30, while Martha Abraham collected $45,122. Since July 1, Abraham has added $42,646, surpassing Foster’s $17,094. Independent expenditures have been relatively balanced, with each side receiving both support and opposition from local unions and professional associations.
Overall, the fundraising snapshot paints a picture of Democratic momentum in San Diego’s 2026 contests, especially in the newly drawn congressional district and several city‑council races. Republican candidates face shrinking outside‑group support, which could influence voter perceptions as the final weekend before Election Day unfolds.
Original reporting: Voice of San Diego — read the source article.
