Jim Desmond

[{"question": "U.S. House California District 48", "answer_html": "<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>", "answer_text": ""}, {"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>\t\tJim Desmond has not yet completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection</a> survey.\t\t\t\t<a href=\"mailto:info@DesmondForCongress.com?subject=Ballotpedia%20candidate%20survey&amp;body=I%20noticed%20that%20you%20have%20not%20yet%20filled%20out%20the%20Ballotpedia%20Candidate%20Connection%20Survey.%20%20Please%20do%20this%20so%20we%20can%20learn%20more%20about%20you%20and%20your%20campaign.%20To%20fill%20out%20the%20Ballotpedia%20Candidate%20Connection%20Survey%20visit%3A%20ballotpedia.org%2FSurvey%3FSource%3Dsurvey%0D%0AThank%20you.\">Send a message to Jim Desmond asking him to fill out the survey</a>. \t\tIf you are Jim Desmond, <a href=\"/Survey?utm_source=ballotpedia&amp;utm_medium=widget&amp;utm_campaign=survey_cta&amp;utm_id=Ballotpedia&amp;Source=survey\">click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey</a>. \t\t\t</p>\n<p><b>Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?</b></p>\n<p>Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's Ballotpedia profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 28,000 candidates have taken Ballotpedia's candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">here</a>.</p>\n<p>\t\tYou can ask Jim Desmond to fill out this survey by using the buttons below or emailing info@DesmondForCongress.com.</p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-8 col-xs-offset-2 col-md-6 col-md-offset-3\" style=\"align:center\"><div class=\"col-xs-4 col-xs-offset-2\"><a href=\"https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%40JimDesmondSD%20you%20haven%27t%20filled%20out%20%40Ballotpedia%27s%20candidate%20survey%20yet!%20These%20questions%20help%20voters%20get%20to%20know%20the%20real%20you%20and%20understand%20your%20policy%20positions.%20Take%20the%20survey%20here%3A%20https%3A//ballotpedia.org/Survey?Source=survey\" id=\"candidate-connection-twitter-415037\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"Twitter\" height=\"86\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Twitter.png\" width=\"82\"/></a></div><div class=\"col-xs-4\"><a href=\"mailto:info@DesmondForCongress.com?subject=Please%20take%20Ballotpedia%27s%20candidate%20survey&amp;body=I%20saw%20you%20have%20not%20yet%20completed%20Ballotpedia's%20candidate%20survey.%20This%20survey%20aims%20to%20both%20enlighten%20voters%20on%20the%20core%20components%20of%20your%20political%20philosophy%20and%20provide%20you%20the%20chance%20to%20show%20who%20you%20really%20are%E2%80%94to%20reveal%20both%20the%20policies%20and%20the%20person.%0A%0APlease%20complete%20the%20survey%20here%20so%20voters%20can%20learn%20more%20about%20you%3A%20https%3A//ballotpedia.org/Survey%3FSource%3Dsurvey&amp;bcc=surveylog@ballotpedia.org\" id=\"candidate-connection-email-415037\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"Email\" height=\"86\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Email.png\" width=\"82\"/></a></div></div></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nJim Desmond has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. Send a message to Jim Desmond asking him to fill out the survey . \t\tIf you are Jim Desmond, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey .\nWho fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?\nAny candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's Ballotpedia profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 28,000 candidates have taken Ballotpedia's candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here .\nYou can ask Jim Desmond to fill out this survey by using the buttons below or emailing info@DesmondForCongress.com."}, {"question": "U.S. House California District 49", "answer_html": "<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>", "answer_text": ""}, {"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Jim Desmond completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Desmond's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-309341-2025-04-16\" id=\"heading-bio-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-309341-2025-04-16\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-309341-2025-04-16\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI'm a U.S. Navy veteran and a retired Delta Air Lines Captain, with 33 years of experience in the cockpit and a lifelong commitment to service. For over 40 years, I’ve been married to my wife, Kerri, and we’re proud to have raised our two children in North County—where they still live today.\r\n<p>I currently serve as the San Diego County Supervisor for District 5, representing a vast and diverse region that stretches across more than 4,200 square miles—including 70 miles of Pacific coastline and a 60-mile international border with Mexico. With more than 3 million residents, San Diego County is the fifth most populous county in the nation, and I’m honored to fight every day for the people who call it home.\r\n</p><p>Before being elected to the Board of Supervisors, I served as the Mayor of San Marcos for 12 years. I’ve spent my public service career focused on real, common-sense solutions—leading on issues like public safety, infrastructure, veterans’ support, and protecting taxpayers from government overreach. Whether it's at city hall or the county level, I’ve worked to strengthen our communities and improve the quality of life for every North County resident.\r\n</p>\nNow, I'm running for Congress to bring that same common-sense leadership to Washington and stand up for the families, veterans, and job creators who deserve a voice that puts them first.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-309341-2025-04-16\" id=\"heading-key-message-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-309341-2025-04-16\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-309341-2025-04-16\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>An Affordable California: Making California Affordable Again Starts with Common-Sense Leadership\r\n<p>One of my top priorities is restoring affordability in California—because the California Dream has become a nightmare for far too many.\r\n</p><p>Once a symbol of opportunity and prosperity, California is now:\r\n</p><p>Last in affordability\r\n</p><p>Last in places to raise a family\r\n</p><p>Last in job growth\r\n</p><p>And first in homelessness\r\n</p>\nFamilies are being priced out of their own communities. Seniors on fixed incomes are being forced from their homes because of surging costs in insurance, gas, and electricity. Parents face the impossible task of raising kids in a state where basic necessities are unaffordable, and small businesses are crushed by overregulation.</li><li>Fixing Our Immigration System with Security, Fairness, and Dignity\r\n\r\nOne of my top priorities is fixing our broken immigration system with security, fairness, and dignity. We must protect our borders, stop illegal crossings, and ensure no one skips the line. America can welcome those who follow the rules while upholding the rule of law. As your representative, I’ll fight for a secure border, a legal immigration system that works, and a process that treats people with dignity—while putting American families first.</li><li>Homelessness is out of control—up 18% this year, with California home to 27% of the nation’s homeless. We need real solutions, not more excuses. I’ll push for treatment-first policies that tackle addiction and mental illness, stop enabling harmful behaviors, and get people off the streets. We must also demand transparency and tie federal dollars to real results: fewer people on the streets, more lives restored, and safer communities. It’s time to restore hope with common-sense solutions that work.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-309341-2025-04-16\" id=\"heading1-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-309341-2025-04-16\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-309341-2025-04-16\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m passionate about public policies that put people before bureaucracy and bring real, lasting change to our communities. That includes tackling the homelessness crisis with treatment-first solutions, restoring public safety by supporting law enforcement, securing our border, and holding Mexico accountable for the ongoing sewage crisis harming our coastline.<br/><br/>\r\nI’ve fought to make California more affordable by cutting red tape and opposing new taxes, and I’ve prioritized protecting our environment, veterans, and families. I believe in common-sense leadership—and I’m committed to bringing that to Washington.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-309341-2025-04-16\" id=\"heading2-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-309341-2025-04-16\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-309341-2025-04-16\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe the most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, independence, and accountability. Public service isn’t about party loyalty or personal ambition—it’s about standing up for the people you represent, even when it’s not politically easy.<br/><br/>\n<p>As a U.S. Navy veteran, retired Delta pilot, and County Supervisor, I’ve always approached leadership with common sense, a steady hand, and a commitment to doing what’s right. That means listening first, cutting through bureaucracy, and delivering real results—whether it’s addressing the homelessness crisis, stopping raw sewage from Mexico, or fighting new taxes that make California unaffordable.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nAn elected official should never forget who they work for—and that’s the people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-309341-2025-04-16\" id=\"heading3-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-309341-2025-04-16\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-309341-2025-04-16\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe core responsibility of someone elected to Congress is to serve the people—plain and simple. That means listening to constituents, fighting for their needs, and delivering results that improve their everyday lives.<br/><br/>\n<p>It’s not about making headlines—it’s about restoring trust in government, upholding the Constitution, and ensuring accountability at every level. That includes securing our border, keeping our communities safe, reining in out-of-control spending, and making life more affordable for families, seniors, and small businesses.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nAs someone who’s served as a U.S. Navy veteran, airline captain, and County Supervisor, I believe the job is about leadership, responsibility, and putting people before politics—every single time.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-309341-2025-04-16\" id=\"heading4-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-309341-2025-04-16\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-309341-2025-04-16\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI want to leave a legacy of getting things done and solving real problems. My goal has always been to cut through the politics and focus on results—whether it's making California more affordable, fixing our broken immigration system, addressing homelessness with treatment-first solutions, or holding Mexico accountable for the sewage crisis hurting our coastline.<br/><br/>\r\nI don’t believe in endless talk or political games—I believe in action, accountability, and common-sense leadership. I hope to be remembered as someone who listened, led with integrity, and delivered for the people I served. That’s the kind of legacy that matters to me.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-309341-2025-04-16\" id=\"heading5-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-309341-2025-04-16\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-309341-2025-04-16\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWe absolutely need term limits.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-309341-2025-04-16\" id=\"heading6-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-309341-2025-04-16\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-309341-2025-04-16\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tDarrell Issa– Congressman<br/>\n<p>Tom McClintock - Congressman<br/>\r\nBrian Maryott (Former Mayor of San Juan Capistrano)<br/>\r\nRiley Gaines – Advocate for Women’s Sports and Rights<br/>\r\nOrange County Supervisor – Janet Nguyen<br/>\r\nCarl DeMaio – Assemblymember<br/>\r\nLaurie Davies – Assemblymember<br/>\r\nSteve Knoblock – Mayor of San Clemente<br/>\r\nRick Loeffler – San Clemente Councilmember<br/>\r\nJohn Franklin – Mayor of Vista<br/>\r\nBrian Jones – Senate Minority Leader<br/>\r\nMelanie Burkholder – Carlsbad Councilmember<br/>\r\nPeter Weiss – Oceanside Councilmember<br/>\r\nRick Robinson - Oceanside Councilmember<br/><br/>\r\nGroups:<br/>\r\nNational Border Patrol Council – San Diego Chapter<br/>\r\nOceanside Police Officers’ Association<br/>\r\nDeputy Sheriffs Association of San Diego County<br/>\r\nRepublican Party of San Diego County<br/>\n</p>\nReform California\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-309341-2025-04-16\" id=\"heading7-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-309341-2025-04-16\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-309341-2025-04-16\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-309341-2025-04-16\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tVeterans' Affairs, Homeland Security, Small Business, Transportation and Infrastructure\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<p>Jim Desmond did not complete <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection</a> survey.\n</p>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nJim Desmond completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Desmond's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I'm a U.S. Navy veteran and a retired Delta Air Lines Captain, with 33 years of experience in the cockpit and a lifelong commitment to service. For over 40 years, I’ve been married to my wife, Kerri, and we’re proud to have raised our two children in North County—where they still live today. I currently serve as the San Diego County Supervisor for District 5, representing a vast and diverse region that stretches across more than 4,200 square miles—including 70 miles of Pacific coastline and a 60-mile international border with Mexico. With more than 3 million residents, San Diego County is the fifth most populous county in the nation, and I’m honored to fight every day for the people who call it home. Before being elected to the Board of Supervisors, I served as the Mayor of San Marcos for 12 years. I’ve spent my public service career focused on real, common-sense solutions—leading on issues like public safety, infrastructure, veterans’ support, and protecting taxpayers from government overreach. Whether it's at city hall or the county level, I’ve worked to strengthen our communities and improve the quality of life for every North County resident. Now, I'm running for Congress to bring that same common-sense leadership to Washington and stand up for the families, veterans, and job creators who deserve a voice that puts them first. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? An Affordable California: Making California Affordable Again Starts with Common-Sense Leadership One of my top priorities is restoring affordability in California—because the California Dream has become a nightmare for far too many. Once a symbol of opportunity and prosperity, California is now: Last in affordability Last in places to raise a family Last in job growth And first in homelessness Families are being priced out of their own communities. Seniors on fixed incomes are being forced from their homes because of surging costs in insurance, gas, and electricity. Parents face the impossible task of raising kids in a state where basic necessities are unaffordable, and small businesses are crushed by overregulation. Fixing Our Immigration System with Security, Fairness, and Dignity\r\n\r\nOne of my top priorities is fixing our broken immigration system with security, fairness, and dignity. We must protect our borders, stop illegal crossings, and ensure no one skips the line. America can welcome those who follow the rules while upholding the rule of law. As your representative, I’ll fight for a secure border, a legal immigration system that works, and a process that treats people with dignity—while putting American families first. Homelessness is out of control—up 18% this year, with California home to 27% of the nation’s homeless. We need real solutions, not more excuses. I’ll push for treatment-first policies that tackle addiction and mental illness, stop enabling harmful behaviors, and get people off the streets. We must also demand transparency and tie federal dollars to real results: fewer people on the streets, more lives restored, and safer communities. It’s time to restore hope with common-sense solutions that work. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I’m passionate about public policies that put people before bureaucracy and bring real, lasting change to our communities. That includes tackling the homelessness crisis with treatment-first solutions, restoring public safety by supporting law enforcement, securing our border, and holding Mexico accountable for the ongoing sewage crisis harming our coastline. I’ve fought to make California more affordable by cutting red tape and opposing new taxes, and I’ve prioritized protecting our environment, veterans, and families. I believe in common-sense leadership—and I’m committed to bringing that to Washington. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? I believe the most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, independence, and accountability. Public service isn’t about party loyalty or personal ambition—it’s about standing up for the people you represent, even when it’s not politically easy. As a U.S. Navy veteran, retired Delta pilot, and County Supervisor, I’ve always approached leadership with common sense, a steady hand, and a commitment to doing what’s right. That means listening first, cutting through bureaucracy, and delivering real results—whether it’s addressing the homelessness crisis, stopping raw sewage from Mexico, or fighting new taxes that make California unaffordable. An elected official should never forget who they work for—and that’s the people. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The core responsibility of someone elected to Congress is to serve the people—plain and simple. That means listening to constituents, fighting for their needs, and delivering results that improve their everyday lives. It’s not about making headlines—it’s about restoring trust in government, upholding the Constitution, and ensuring accountability at every level. That includes securing our border, keeping our communities safe, reining in out-of-control spending, and making life more affordable for families, seniors, and small businesses. As someone who’s served as a U.S. Navy veteran, airline captain, and County Supervisor, I believe the job is about leadership, responsibility, and putting people before politics—every single time. What legacy would you like to leave? I want to leave a legacy of getting things done and solving real problems. My goal has always been to cut through the politics and focus on results—whether it's making California more affordable, fixing our broken immigration system, addressing homelessness with treatment-first solutions, or holding Mexico accountable for the sewage crisis hurting our coastline. I don’t believe in endless talk or political games—I believe in action, accountability, and common-sense leadership. I hope to be remembered as someone who listened, led with integrity, and delivered for the people I served. That’s the kind of legacy that matters to me. What are your thoughts on term limits? We absolutely need term limits. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? Darrell Issa– Congressman Tom McClintock - Congressman Brian Maryott (Former Mayor of San Juan Capistrano) Riley Gaines – Advocate for Women’s Sports and Rights Orange County Supervisor – Janet Nguyen Carl DeMaio – Assemblymember Laurie Davies – Assemblymember Steve Knoblock – Mayor of San Clemente Rick Loeffler – San Clemente Councilmember John Franklin – Mayor of Vista Brian Jones – Senate Minority Leader Melanie Burkholder – Carlsbad Councilmember Peter Weiss – Oceanside Councilmember Rick Robinson - Oceanside Councilmember Groups: National Border Patrol Council – San Diego Chapter Oceanside Police Officers’ Association Deputy Sheriffs Association of San Diego County Republican Party of San Diego County Reform California What committees interest you? Veterans' Affairs, Homeland Security, Small Business, Transportation and Infrastructure\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\n\nJim Desmond did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey."}]