Your guide to San Diego's congressional races
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Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
Most of San Diego's congressional races are considered uncompetitive by election observers, but one could play into control of the U.S. House.
Why it matters: Democrats are looking to win control of the House, where Republicans currently hold an eight-seat edge.
Between the lines: In California's California's 49th congressional district, which straddles the coastal areas of northern San Diego County and southern Orange County, Rep. Mike Levin (D) is running for a fourth term against small business owner Matt Gunderson (R).
- Last week, the Cook Political Report moved that race from a "likely" Democratic win to a "lean" Democratic win, indicating a closer race than the double-digit lead the Union-Tribune found in its October poll.
What they're saying: In a debate this month, Gunderson said he is pro-choice and thinks abortion should be "safe, legal and rare," and he argued gun violence is not a gun problem but a people problem.
- Levin stressed his opponent supported Amy Coney Barrett's U.S. Supreme Court appointment before she helped overturn Roe v. Wade and said he supports universal background checks as well as an assault weapons ban.
Rep. Sara Jacobs (D) is seeking a third term against El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells (R) in the 51st congressional district, representing a large part of central San Diego and East County.
- The candidates have opposing views on responding to homelessness. Jacobs has argued it's a housing affordability problem, while Wells says it stems from drug and alcohol addiction and mental health issues.
- Wells has made tightening the border a key part of his campaign. Jacobs advocates for comprehensive immigration reform that expands legal pathways for asylum seekers.
The intrigue: If Democrats take back control of the House and she's elected, Jacobs plans to expand her leadership role in the Democratic caucus and run for vice chair.
Three incumbents are seeking re-election in races that are not considered competitive, based on financial and voter registration advantages in those districts.
- Rep. Darrell Issa (R) is facing a challenge from Stephen Houlahan, a registered nurse and Democrat, in the 48th district, spanning from inland North County and southwestern Riverside County to the rural area of the U.S.-Mexico border.
- In the 50th congressional district, spanning the city's coastal areas and into inland cities like Escondido, Rep. Scott Peters (D) is running against Peter Bono, a retired naval technician and Republican.
- Rep. Juan Vargas (D) is running against Justin Lee, a Republican business owner, in the 52nd congressional district, which covers the South Bay and the Tijuana border area.