Research Profile
Ammar Campa-Najjar, born on February 24, 1989, in La Mesa, California, is a Democratic candidate running for the U.S. House of Representatives in California's 48th district in the 2026 election. His background is diverse and deeply rooted in public service, activism, and community engagement. He was raised in Jamul and Chula Vista, California, in a multicultural family with Palestinian and Mexican American heritage. During his childhood, he lived in the Gaza Strip for four years, where he attended a Catholic school, and later returned to San Diego County, working as a janitor at age 15 to support his single mother. Campa-Najjar converted from Islam to Christianity during high school and is fluent in English, Spanish, and Arabic. He attended Southwestern College and earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Philosophy and Psychology from San Diego State University. His family includes notable figures such as his grandfather Muhammad Youssef al-Najjar, associated with Fatah and involved in controversial historical events Wikipedia. His professional career includes working as a deputy regional field director for Barack Obama's 2012 presidential campaign, interning at the White House, working at the Department of Labor, founding ACN Strategies, and running for Congress in California's 50th district in 2018 and 2020. In 2023, he was sworn in as an officer in the U.S. Navy Wikipedia.
Campa-Najjar's campaign platform for 2026 emphasizes defending democracy, economic justice, and healthcare reform. He advocates for ending Citizens United and stopping dark money, fighting against forever wars, and implementing bold policies to engage young voters. His campaign highlights include support for reproductive rights, such as legislation to codify Roe v. Wade, and economic reforms like the proposed "No Kings Act" aimed at addressing economic inequality and corporate influence. He also emphasizes raising wages, lowering costs, and expanding universal healthcare to improve the lives of constituents Campaign website, social media posts, and interviews. His campaign themes focus on restoring trust in government, fighting for working-class families, and promoting progressive reforms Facebook.
Notable news coverage confirms his active candidacy and efforts to challenge incumbent Rep. Darrell Issa, with endorsements from groups like VoteVets PAC and local Democratic organizations. Media outlets such as KPBS, Fox News, and the San Diego Union-Tribune have reported on his campaign activities, redistricting impacts, and his efforts to mobilize voters in the district. Campa-Najjar has participated in interviews and public events where he articulates his policy positions and campaign motivations, emphasizing his commitment to representing working families and progressive causes KPBS, 10 News, VoteVets.
Overall, Ammar Campa-Najjar's campaign is characterized by a focus on democratic integrity, economic justice, healthcare access, and youth engagement. His background as a public servant, military officer, and community advocate informs his policy positions and campaign strategy, positioning him as a progressive challenger aiming to unseat a long-standing incumbent in a district undergoing significant redistricting and demographic shifts.