Progressive Caucus Backs Ammar Campa‑Najjar in Hotly Contested CA‑48 Primary, Deepening Democratic Rift

The Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC’s endorsement of Ammar Campa‑Najjar in California’s newly redrawn 48th District primary has amplified a bitter intraparty debate over electability, ideology and outside influence — and raised fresh concerns that a split Democratic field could hand the seat to Republicans in November.

Progressive Push — On Tuesday, the Progressive Caucus PAC, led by co‑chairs Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Greg Casar and Maxwell Frost, announced its endorsement of Campa‑Najjar. Their statement highlighted his personal background and progressive platform: “If elected, Ammar will be the only Member of Congress who has lived in Gaza, where 30 members of his family, including children, have died,” the PAC said, and added that Campa‑Najjar is the only candidate in the race running on a progressive agenda.

A Divided Democratic Field — The endorsement deepened tensions with supporters of San Diego city council member Marni von Wilpert, who argue she is the stronger general‑election nominee. Former Sen. Barbara Boxer, a von Wilpert backer, accused Campa‑Najjar of opportunism and questioned his policy consistency. Boxer also suggested Campa‑Najjar benefited from the financial and political influence of Rep. Sara Jacobs, who is reported to be a longtime partner and whose family has funded pro‑Campa‑Najjar outside spending.

Outside Spending and the Gaza Factor — Democratic Majority for Israel poured significant resources into the primary on behalf of von Wilpert and criticized Campa‑Najjar’s positions on the Gaza conflict. Progressives counter that the pro‑Israel group’s intervention has backfired and galvanized support for Campa‑Najjar among parts of the left.

Redistricting and the Stakes — The 48th District was redrawn to include parts of Palm Springs and sections of north San Diego County, a change that led to the retirement of Rep. Darrell Issa (R). The new lines make the seat more competitive for Democrats — but only if the party unites behind a nominee who can prevail in November.

Polling, Pathways and Worries — A SurveyUSA poll released Thursday showed Republicans leading: San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond at 29% and GOP businessman Kevin O’Neil at 10%, with Campa‑Najjar and von Wilpert tied at 9% each. The poll prompted alarm among Democrats about a possible November lockout, though some California strategists questioned the survey’s accuracy and noted stronger internal polling for von Wilpert.

Campaign Histories — Campa‑Najjar previously ran in 2018 and 2020, drawing national attention and criticism; his opponents’ 2018 ads raised controversy for invoking his family history. After a narrow 2022 mayoral loss in Chula Vista, he has retained a base of supporters and has emphasized his working‑class roots as the son of a Palestinian immigrant and a Latina mother. Von Wilpert has made inroads among precincts unfamiliar with Campa‑Najjar and has gained endorsements such as the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, which called her the strongest candidate to flip the seat.

“It’s clear Marni von Wilpert is the strongest candidate in this race to flip this seat and is the only one Californians can trust to stand up to Trump,” said von Wilpert’s campaign manager, Jacob Ostacher.

What Comes Next — Political observers say the primary outcome will shape the general election dynamics in a district the Cook Political Report recently moved toward Democrats after Issa’s retirement — but intraparty division could still tip the balance. Republicans and the NRCC are seizing on Democratic infighting to argue the party is fractured and vulnerable.

Semafor reporters Ben Fox and Nicholas Wu have covered the evolving contest and the broader implications for Democratic strategy in competitive House races.