San Diego high-tech executive Jim DeBello announced Thursday that he will mount a Republican challenge to four-term Democratic Rep. Scott Peters.
DeBello, former CEO of publicly traded software company Mitek Systems, kicked off his candidacy at a press conference at Tuna Harbor Park.
“I’m not a career politician,” he told supporters. “I’m an independent thinker and practical, 21st Century Republican with sensible solutions for our future.”
DeBello is a serial entrepreneur who is the co-inventor of a mobile check deposit system used by 80 million consumers. The San Diego native has received endorsements from former Gov. Pete Wilson and the Republican Party of San Diego County.
Peters, who beat his last Republican challenger by 64% to 36% in 2018, has received widespread support from the local business community.
The 52nd district stretches northeast from Coronado through coastal San Diego to Poway and the San Pasqual Valley.
