Jim Desmond

Jim Desmond was born in Illinois. He served in the U.S. Navy. He earned a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University.[1]

U.S. House California District 48

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Campaign websiteDesmond's campaign website stated the following:Cost Of LivingThe California Dream Has Become a Nightmare – But Together, We Can Fix ItCalifornia once stood as the beacon of opportunity, prosperity, and hope for generations. Today, that dream is slipping away:Last in places to raise a family.Last in affordability.Last in job growth.First in homelessness.Families are struggling to make ends meet, and seniors on fixed incomes are being forced out of their homes due to skyrocketing costs of insurance, gas, and electricity. Parents face the impossible task of raising a family in a state where basic needs are unaffordable, and small businesses are crushed under endless regulations.For too long, politicians in Washington D.C. and Sacramento have failed us. They’ve chosen partisan fights over real solutions. But it doesn’t have to be this way.As your representative, I will work to restore the California Dream by:Making life more affordable by lowering taxes, reducing overregulation, and curbing out-of-control costs that are driving seniors and families out of the state.Supporting job growth by empowering small businesses, promoting innovation, and ensuring California is a place where businesses thrive.Focusing on families and seniors, ensuring our communities are safe, livable, and affordable for all generations.The federal government must step in where the state has failed. It’s time for real leadership. Let’s bring affordability, opportunity, and dignity back to California. Together, we can ensure the Golden State shines again—for everyone.HomelessnessRestoring Hope: A Real Plan to End HomelessnessHomelessness is skyrocketing, up 18% this year, with more than 770,000 people living on the streets. California alone accounts for 27% of the nation’s homeless population—a crisis that touches every community. The California dream has become a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.We need real solutions, not endless excuses. As your representative, I’ll push for common-sense policies to tackle homelessness at its core:A Plan That Works for EveryoneGet People Off the Streets and Into TreatmentFund treatment-first programs that address the root causes of homelessness: addiction and mental illness.Stop enabling harmful behaviors and start offering real pathways to recovery through effective mental-health care and addiction treatment.Federal Support for Local CommunitiesProvide federal funding for cities and counties that move people from the streets into treatment, not just temporary shelters.Expand resources to build treatment facilities and end the Medicaid rule that blocks funding for larger psychiatric hospitals.Empower Medical Professionals, Not BureaucratsReduce legal barriers to getting people the care they need. Give doctors and first responders the ability to intervene when lives are at risk, including involuntary care for those in crisis.Demand transparency for dollars spent.Tie federal dollars to real results: fewer people on the streets, more lives restored, and better community outcomes.Homelessness isn’t just a tragedy for those living on the streets—it’s a public safety issue, an economic drain, and a health crisis for our communities. My plan ensures your tax dollars are spent wisely, helping people rebuild their lives and making our streets safer and cleaner.It’s time for leadership that delivers solutions, not more empty promises. Together, we can end this crisis and restore hope for those who need it most.Secure BorderA Strong, Fair, and Dignified Immigration SystemOur nation is built on the strength of its people and the rule of law. It’s time to fix our broken immigration system by securing our border, creating a legal process that works, and ensuring that no one skips the line. We can welcome those who follow the rules while protecting the safety and prosperity of our country. Fairness, security, and dignity—this is the American way.A safe, secure border and a legal immigration system that works for everyone. As your representative, I will fight to:Protect our borders from illegal crossings.Create an efficient legal process for those who follow the rules.Ensure fairness by stopping people from skipping the line.Treat every person with dignity while upholding the integrity of our laws.Securing the BorderProvide Border Patrol agents with the tools and training they need to keep us safe.Work with border states and local communities to address challenges.A Legal Immigration System That WorksLaunch a user-friendly online application system so immigrants can apply legally and transparently.Streamline legal immigration for skilled workers, family reunifications, and humanitarian cases.Prioritize areas of economic need, like agriculture, technology, and healthcare.No Skipping The LineEnforce existing immigration laws to stop illegal crossings and overstays.Require asylum claims to be filed at U.S. embassies or designated centers abroad.Remove incentives for illegal entry by creating real, legal optionsOur immigration system should reflect who we are as Americans—fair, secure, and welcoming to those who follow the rules. I’ll fight for a plan that protects our border, strengthens our economy, and ensures a system we can be proud of. Together, we can build an immigration system that works for everyone.Lowering Food & Energy PricesCommon-Sense Climate and Energy PoliciesBalance in key. California’s climate policies shouldn’t punish families, seniors, and small businesses. By forcing costly energy solutions and electric vehicles on people, we’re driving hardworking Californians out of the state. It doesn’t need to be this way. Common-sense climate solutions can protect our environment, provide clean water, lower costs, and support our communities—without sacrificing livelihoods or our energy independence.1. Protect Families and SeniorsCalifornia’s current climate policies are hurting the very people they claim to help.Keep Energy Affordable: Oppose proposals that charge people more for electricity based on income or mandate costly energy alternatives that drive up household costsPromote Energy Choice: Allow families to choose the energy sources that work best for them, from natural gas to renewables, without unnecessary mandates or penalties.Support Reliable Energy: Invest in energy solutions that ensure the lights stay on, especially for seniors and vulnerable populations during extreme weather events.2. Harness America’s Energy Advantage“Energy should be a tool for prosperity, not a weapon of policy.”Leverage Fossil Fuels Responsibly: Fossil fuels have lifted billions out of poverty by making food, medicine, and essential goods affordable and accessible.Invest in Clean Energy Innovation: Support cutting-edge technologies like carbon capture, hydrogen energy, and advanced nuclear power to reduce emissions without sacrificing energy reliability.Expand Nuclear Power: Preserve and modernize America’s existing nuclear fleet.Develop next-generation technologies, such as small modular reactors, to provide clean, reliable power 24/7.Streamline regulations to encourage the construction of new nuclear plants.3. Support Farmers—The Backbone of Our EconomyInvest in Agricultural Innovation: Provide funding for research and development to enhance productivity, improve water efficiency, and implement innovative farming practices.Protect Farmland: Oppose policies that make farming unaffordable by driving up energy, water, or transportation costs.Ensure Access to Affordable Energy: Farmers rely on cost-effective fuels for tractors, irrigation systems, and transportation. Protect their access to reliable energy sources.Promote Local Agriculture: Expand programs that connect local farmers with consumers, schools, and restaurants to strengthen the local food system.4. Balance Environmental Protection with Economic GrowthWe can protect our air, water, and planet without driving people into poverty.Clean Air and Water: Focus on reducing industrial pollution and cleaning up toxic waste sites that harm local communities.Innovative Emissions Reductions: Use advanced technologies to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas production.Transportation Freedom: Expand consumer choice with incentives for electric vehicles, hybrids, hydrogen-powered cars, and gas-powered vehicles—not mandates.Let’s build a better future—one with clean air and water, affordable energy, and strong communities. Together, we can fight for common-sense climate solutions that protect our environment and our economy. Vocational Military EducationVocational Military EducationOverview:The Vocational Military Education program is a transformative initiative that redefines how we support both our military and workforce development. The concept is simple yet powerful: encourage volunteer military service by offering free, high-quality vocational education and training in diverse fields, from plumbing to coding, engineering, finance, healthcare, and more. This program would benefit individuals who serve their country and ensure America has a skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the future.Why It Matters:Empowering Veterans and Active Duty Members:This initiative provides service members with valuable skills that are directly transferable to civilian careers, ensuring their long-term success and stability.Addressing Workforce Shortages:America faces significant shortages in skilled trades and STEM fields. By integrating vocational training into military service, we can address these gaps while fostering economic growth.Strengthening the Military:A program like this incentivizes enlistment, ensuring a strong and capable military. It provides opportunities for those who may not see traditional college as the right path, offering a unique way to serve and grow.Economic Mobility and Equality:This program would open doors for underprivileged and underserved communities, offering a pathway to education, financial security, and personal growth through service.Investing in those who serve: Vocational Military Education equips our troops with the tools for success both in service and beyond.— Jim Desmond's campaign website (July 17, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

U.S. House California District 49

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

Jim Desmond did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.