Riker Continues to Establish Clear Financial Advantage in CA-48 Race
Palm Springs, CA – Brandon Riker, a former Obama organizer, small business owner, and trained economist, announced today that his campaign for Congress has the resources, momentum, and coalition required to take on Republicans and defeat Jim Desmond in the general election with the recent first quarter fundraising numbers.
Through Q1 2026, Riker has raised more than $1.9M and holds over $1.08M cash on hand, positioning the campaign with a strong financial edge in the primary election.
“This is the point in the campaign where it becomes clear who has the financial advantage to win and do the work,” said Brandon Riker. “We’ve built the resources, the team, and the support needed to take on Jim Desmond and compete across this entire district. Now we’re focused on putting those resources to work and earning every vote.”
Riker’s strength comes as the state of the race has shifted. After previously holding the seat, Darrell Issa dropped out of the race, underscoring just how competitive and well-positioned this campaign has become. At a moment when winning this seat will require a serious, well-funded operation, Riker has built a commanding one.
The campaign is powered by more than 10,900 individual donors, 18,300 total contributions, over 120 community endorsements, and 700 active volunteers, with support spanning the entire district, from Palm Springs, Hemet, and Temecula in Riverside County to Vista, Escondido, and San Marcos in San Diego County.
“We’re running a campaign that puts the needs of families first,” said Riker. “This isn’t about politics as usual. It’s about delivering solutions people can actually rely on – a Second New Deal that puts cash back in your pocket by making the first $50,000 you earn tax free, so Californians see more money in every paycheck. With every dollar raised, town hall hosted, and door knocked, we’re showing voters that real change is possible in CA-48.”
Riker’s campaign continues to gain backing from leaders and organizations across the district, reflecting growing confidence in his ability to win not just in June, but November as well. His coalition now includes endorsements from local leaders, labor organizations, small business owners, veterans, and community advocates, and is highlighted by the support of elected officials such as U.S. Senator Peter Welch, the only sitting U.S. senator to endorse a candidate in the race. Together, this growing list of supporters show the campaign’s momentum and consolidation of support at a critical moment.
With a clear financial advantage, a broad and expanding coalition, and the ability to communicate with voters early, Riker has built the campaign positioned to win in the primary election and take on Jim Desmond in the general election.
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Brandon Riker is a fourth-generation Californian, small business owner, and trained economist. California’s new 48th District is a top target for Democrats after the passage of Proposition 50. With Riker’s fundraising strength and a growing base of grassroots support, he is the leading candidate in the new 48th District.