California race could decide control of Congress. Meet the candidates

California’s new 48th Congressional District race between Republicans Jim Desmond and Democrat Marni von Wilpert could help decide control of the U.S. House. After Californians approved Democrats’ redistricting plan last year, voters in Palm Springs and Indian Wells shifted into the district, which spans parts of Riverside and San Diego counties. The Cook Political Report rates it among the two most competitive in California and among the 42 most competitive nationally. Democrats currently trail by a five-vote majority held by Republicans, and the seat has no incumbent. Desmond is a Navy veteran, retired Delta pilot, and San Diego County supervisor; von Wilpert is a San Diego City Council member and former civil prosecutor.