A year ago, Republican Darrell Issa won 62.4% of the vote in his East County congressional primary. His four Democratic challengers combined for 36.5%.
Will history repeat in the deep-red 48th District now that a fourth Democrat has entered the 2026 race — after Albert Mora, Curtis Morrison and Whitney Shanahan?
Brian Nash is hoping to defy the pundits, proclaiming on his website: “This ain’t a campaign. It’s an intervention.”
Last week, the Murrieta resident formally entered the race — becoming the first CA48 candidate from Riverside County.
- Related: Who can beat Rep. Issa in CA-48? Three Democratic rivals step up to plate
- Related: Experts pick Rep. Issa to win in 2026, unless Democrats ride a ‘seismic shift’
- Unedited: Times of San Diego Q&A with Brian Nash, Democrat for Congress (PDF)
In an email Q&A with Times of San Diego, Nash said: “I’m not here to play the political game — I’m here to bring real, people-first change. … It requires moving beyond red vs. blue.”
I asked him why his candidacy wasn’t listed on the FEC site until days after I profiled the first three Democrats seeking a November runoff with Issa.
(He’d told of his race on Facebook in late March and also announced April 6 on BlueSky to a handful of followers. His social media includes videos of himself wearing a T-shirt saying “Punch Your Local Nazi.”)
“I intentionally held that [FEC] part back until very recently,” he said. “I had been traveling and had a big work project that just wrapped. [It] gave me a little time to build up my online presence with no other real pressure.”
Now the real stress begins.
Political experts would give Nash, 45, little chance of beating Issa, 71, once rated the wealthiest House member. His listed cash-on-hand is nearly $1.9 million.
A more hopeful take comes from Democrat Ray Lutz, who in 2010 lost his own East County Congress race to young Republican Duncan D. Hunter 63.1% to 32.1%.
“Issa won’t be easy to beat,” Lutz said via email. “But 2026 may offer the perfect storm — economic fallout, cultural fatigue and an electorate hungry for authenticity over ideology. If one of these challengers can unify Democrats, independents and, yes, even some quiet Republicans, this district could flip.”
El Cajon’s Lutz, who leads an effort that encourages more public involvement in local governmental meetings, says: “The key will be clear vision, fearless outreach and relentless presence — in communities, on platforms and at the doors.”
He adds that whichever Democrat breaks through must not just oppose Issa, “they must replace him with something voters actually want. This is a solid slate that will be interesting to watch!”
Lutz concedes the “safe seat” mantra.
“But 2026 could be the year when a well-organized and authentic challenger disrupts that comfort zone,” he wrote. “With Trumpism pushing the country into economic instability, trade disruption and international isolation, a backlash is brewing — especially as shelves go bare and inflation worsens. Voter anger may finally break through the red wall.”
He notes that CA48, which reaches into southern Riverside County, includes nearly 30% independent voters.
“These voters tend to lean slightly toward the challenging party, making this race closer than the raw registration numbers suggest,” he says. “With effective outreach, it’s possible to tip the balance.”
I asked his early impressions of the four Democrats.
He said Mora “delivers a strong, concise message and seems well-prepared for crossover appeal. His presentation was sharp and professional. He may be best positioned to connect with independents and disillusioned Republicans. ‘Polished, pragmatic and persuasive.’”
Lutz notes that Morrison brings campaign experience as a state Senate candidate, “but as a newcomer to the district, he’ll need to work hard to demonstrate local understanding. If he can quickly localize his campaign, he could build momentum. ‘Experienced outsider looking for a foothold.’”
Of Shanahan, Lutz said: “Her TikTok following shows she knows how to command a digital audience. She’s held engaging rallies, and she’s unafraid to challenge the status quo. In a cycle where younger, disillusioned voters may matter more than ever, her reach and authenticity could make waves. ‘Bold, anti-establishment and potentially viral.’”
Nash, he wrote, is a credible candidate with deep policy priorities and a progressive edge whose Q&A answers (that I shared with Lutz) show “substance and conviction.”
“But his dismissal of outreach to disaffected Republicans is a concern,” Lutz said. “In a district like CA48, you have to talk to everyone. I’d encourage Brian to broaden his coalition. ‘Smart, sincere, but needs a wider lens.’”
Shares Michael Moore birthplace
So who is Brian Lee Nash?
Born and raised in Michigan (“the land of grit and grind”), he shares the birthplace of filmmaker Michael Moore — Flint.
Nash at first attended Michigan State University for pre-veterinary medicine.
“I dropped out prior to completion, and spent some time trying to better understand myself and my longer-term wishes,” he says. “One interesting tidbit is that most of my friends at MSU were part of their political science program. I’d like to think that some of those conversations amongst friends played a role in my interest in politics today.”
Nash went back to school to complete a finance undergraduate degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2010. Later, he earned an MBA and a MS in business analytics from Indiana University.
He moved to Murrieta in November 2021, and still lives there with Nancy, his wife since 2008. They have no children but enjoy a 1 1/2-year-old puppy named Max.
In 2022, he ran for state Senate, losing to Republican incumbent Kelly Seyarto 62% to 38% in the 38th District, another massive region. It stretches from Borrego to inland north Orange County.
Nash is a technology consultant for Bank of America.
“My role is to help lead some of our more challenging internal technological projects with the help of my developer partners and business colleagues,” he says. “Being able to deliver fundamentally positive quality-of-life projects to people who could use a break is a pretty cool feeling.”
He vows to carry the same attitude and work ethic to Washington.
“If past is precedent, I’ll help make your lives fundamentally better as well, and probably not want to talk all that much about it afterwards. There’s ALWAYS more to do.”
Boasting Michigan DNA, however, he’s passionate about basketball — both playing and coaching — and declares “the Detroit Pistons are my team.”
“Beyond the court, my happy place is the ocean,” he says. “My wife and I are avid snorkelers and scuba divers. We love exploring lesser-known destinations, staying away from the typical tourist spots and truly immersing ourselves in the local culture to experience the ‘real’ side of each place we visit.'”
This interview was edited for length.
TIMES OF SAN DIEGO: Why are you running for Congress? Main issues?
BRIAN NASH: I’m running for Congress because I believe the people of California’s 48th District deserve a representative who is truly dedicated to their well-being, not one who is bought and paid for by corporate interests or big donors. The system is broken, and the only way to fix it is by putting people first.
My main issues are:
Health care: It’s unacceptable that so many Americans are still struggling to afford the care they need. I’m fighting for universal health care to ensure that every single person in this country has access to the care they deserve.
Housing: We’re facing a housing crisis that’s forcing too many families to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table. We need to build more affordable housing and protect renters from exploitation.
Economic Inequality: The wealth gap has never been wider, and it’s time for policies that lift up working people — not the rich. I’m fighting for fair wages, workers’ rights and tax reform that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.
Democracy Reform: Our democracy is under attack. Term limits and ranked-choice voting are essential for creating a system that is more accountable, more representative and less beholden to special interests. We need a government that works for the people, not for career politicians who are more interested in staying in power than in doing what’s best for us.
Congressional Integrity: We need to ban congressional stock trading and stop the practice of lawmakers profiting from insider knowledge. Congress should not be a place where politicians enrich themselves at the expense of their constituents. Additionally, I believe we need to rebuild a truly independent Congress, one that isn’t simply going to bow to any president or party but will stand up to both the executive branch and the corporate interests that dominate Washington.
What needs of CA48 most need addressing? How would you help to fulfill these needs?
First and foremost, CA48 needs a representative that actually has enough respect for their constituents that they bother to show up. Darrell Issa’s contempt for the people he was voted to represent should be disqualifying.
Frankly, showing up is a pathetically low bar to achieve.
The truth is that California’s 48th District is facing significant challenges that need immediate attention. The most urgent needs are access to affordable healthcare, affordable housing, economic stability and more democratic representation. These issues are interconnected, and without tackling them head-on, we will continue to see the struggles of our community grow.
Our political system is broken. Special interests and corporate donors have far too much influence, leaving everyday citizens without a voice. This is why voter participation is low, and why many people feel disconnected from the political process.
I’ll work to pass democracy reforms like ranked-choice voting, term limits, and stronger campaign finance laws that reduce the influence of money in politics. We need a government that listens to the people, not the corporations that fund campaigns.
How do you plan to displace an entrenched GOP incumbent in a district with 41% Republican registration, compared with 29% Democrats and 21% independents?
Displacing an entrenched GOP incumbent in a district with a Republican-leaning registration requires a strategic, grassroots-focused approach. Here’s how I would outline a plan to address this challenge:
Building a Broad Coalition: In a district where Republicans have a significant advantage, it’s crucial to focus on uniting disaffected voters of all stripes. This means reaching out to independents and non-voters who are frustrated with the current status quo. The goal is to build a coalition based on shared values of fairness, opportunity and accountability, rather than relying solely on party affiliation.
Focusing on Local Issues That Matter: While national party lines may influence the vote, voters care most about their local issues. By focusing on economic inequality, housing affordability, healthcare access and educational opportunities, we can appeal to people who are directly impacted by the policies of the current administration. This approach also builds authenticity and trust, showing that this isn’t just a partisan fight — it’s a fight for the people.
Strong Voter Outreach and Engagement: To overcome the Republican registration advantage, we’ll need to maximize turnout, especially among Democratic and independent voters. This means door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and building a strong digital presence to engage voters who may not feel represented by the current incumbent. Additionally, young voters and underrepresented communities will be critical — those who may not vote in every election but are energized by change and hope.
Highlighting the Incumbent’s Inaction and Hypocrisy: Issa’s actions — his avoidance of town halls, his focus on corporate donors and his failure to address critical issues — make him an easy target for criticism. I’m already highlighting his lack of real action on issues that directly impact the district, while also shining a light on his corporate ties and disconnect from the people. Voters need to see that his continued tenure is simply protecting the interests of the elite few — and that it’s time for a change.
A People-Powered Campaign: I’m committed to a grassroots campaign — funded by the people, not corporate PACs. This sends a clear message: The people, not big donors, are in control. I’ll rely on small-dollar donations, volunteers and community engagement to build momentum. This kind of campaign can not only gain traction but also build a sense of ownership among voters. And given my experience of doing more with less, I believe that we have an opportunity to build a movement that can grow far beyond the confines of CA48 and make a positive difference for every American.
Creating a Clear Vision for the Future: Ultimately, this campaign needs to be about a vision for the future — one where the government truly works for the people. By offering a platform of pragmatic solutions, real accountability and democratic reform, we can inspire hope and build support across the district. People want to believe in a government that represents them, and I’ll do everything in my power to provide that.
How will you finance your campaign? Do you expect DCCC or local Democratic Party help? How much self-financing will you do?
One of the things I was most proud of in my 2022 state Senate campaign, is that I ran the whole thing on the most shoestring budget possible. I only actively asked for donations a handful of times, for very specific purposes. And while I ran that campaign on a very small budget, I was able to overcome some of the biggest challenges by being creative, capable and willing to put in hours and hours of work.
This race will be different from that race. It HAS to be. I’ve already set up my donation link, and while I’ll never love soliciting donations, I’m already starting to ask. I’ll assure anyone willing to donate that their funds will be used wisely, in ways that are directly tied to increasing the chance of winning.
You also won’t see me putting on fancy dinners with $1,500 tickets. It’s not only NOT my style, but the optics and outcomes of such opulent events is similar in effect to corporate donations — donors have expectations and are paying for access and assistance, leaving the average person who can’t afford such things behind.
I have no expectation of help from the DCCC or the local Democratic Parties, though I will be open to assistance from any of them. However, I will not accept any assistance that requires me to pull back on any of my intended actions or potential legislation, or fundamentally changes the nature of my campaign or work. In short, I will not be bought.
How are you better prepared to challenge Mr. Issa than your Democratic rivals?
Unlike my Democratic opponents, I’m not trying to run a milquetoast campaign that plays “Democratic Campaigning’s Greatest Hits” or position myself as some magical voice that can bring harmony to the Republican and Democratic parties. That game is futile in CA48.
I’m focused on real, actionable solutions that directly benefit the people of California’s 48th District. My campaign is about challenging the status quo and putting the interests of working families above corporate influence. My message is clear: We need leadership that is accountable to the people, not to special interests.
I come from a background in people analytics, business operations and technology consulting, where I’ve spent years solving complex problems, enabling people to do their best work and making strategic decisions to improve outcomes. This kind of pragmatic, results-driven mindset is exactly what we need in Washington. My experience managing budgets and navigating tough challenges means I have the skill set to make tough decisions and deliver on my promises.
While my rivals may have traditional political connections, my campaign is built on people power. I’m not taking money from Super PACs or corporate donors. My campaign is funded by small-dollar donations, and I’m committed to staying independent from the forces that have corrupted Washington. This gives me the freedom to fight for the people of this district without any corporate strings attached.
I have a deep understanding of the critical issues that matter to voters in CA48, like health care, affordable housing and economic inequality. I’m focused on pragmatic solutions — universal health care, affordable housing, stronger protections for workers and educational opportunities for all. I’m also committed to democracy reform, including term limits and ranked-choice voting, to ensure that our political system truly represents the will of the people.
I’m not afraid to call out the failures of both the Republican establishment and complacent Democrats who continue to put corporate interests above the needs of everyday people. Darrell Issa has been in power far too long, and it’s well beyond time for change. I will be a strong advocate for people-centered values, and will also work across party lines when necessary to get things done for the constituents of CA48.
Tell about your main campaign staff (paid or unpaid) — manager, fundraiser, social media person, media coordinator?
I am building my team slowly and VERY intentionally. Everyone involved to date is a volunteer. The people that I bring on, paid or otherwise, will be hyperfocused on building and maintaining a culture of service to the community. This campaign will be run by people who have a vested interest in CA48 and not career political consultants who bail on a community once an election is over.
How will you appeal to decline-to-state voters? Will a major independent vote be needed to overcome the GOP advantage?
Until I ran for office in 2022, I was a decline-to-state voter. The Republican Party has been out of touch with the people for as long as I’ve been old enough to vote, and the Democratic Party continues to disappoint as an opposition party. Meanwhile, other parties lacked the cohesion or competence to present a viable alternative.
Given that view, I understand why many choose to remain independent. Though I joined the Democratic Party in response to Trumpism, my history as an independent gives me the credibility to engage with and address the concerns of independent voters.
The path to victory in 2026 runs directly through independents, specifically those that have chosen not to engage in the voting process. But I don’t believe change is achieved by offering more of the same BS politics from either party.
We DO need a shift to the left — not the right, as many incorrectly predict. We need to be laser focused on helping the working class. Not the elites that have overtaken both major parties in service of their corporate donor base. Engaging independents and recent non-voters requires a real commitment to change, then immediate action to show that I’m acting in good faith. I will do both.
Will you seek support from disaffected Republicans?
Actively? Not a chance.
“Disaffected Republicans” are a psy-op, and their numbers are greatly exaggerated. I’ve been a vocal critic of the Democratic Party’s outreach to the non-MAGA wing of the Republican Party. This has led to a rightward shift of the Democratic Party, where the current party is more aligned to Reagan than FDR. This pleases the corporate donor class while everyone else suffers.
That said, I am willing to talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime. If you’re sick and tired of being gaslit by political parties who are more interested in self-gain and fattening the wallets of their corporate overseers, I just might be a candidate worth checking out.
If Dems take control in early 2027, Would you support the impeachment of Donald Trump? Why or why not?
Do I think Trump should be impeached? Absolutely. His acceptance of an airplane as a gift from Qatar is just the latest of a laundry list of items that have made the Trump presidency the most corrupt in the history of our country. If the Democratic Party chooses to impeach Trump, I will support it.
That said, I think there are better ways to spend my time and energy serving the needs of CA48’s constituents, including introducing legislation that claws back ill-gotten gains from governmental officials and utilizes those funds as a tax break for the middle class. These items take time to develop.
Finally, if Trump is impeached, that leaves us with JD Vance. I wouldn’t trust him with my couch. I certainly would not want to entrust him with the remaining time of Trump’s term, which may give him leverage going into his own potential presidential campaign.
If elected, would you support term limits for House members?
Absolutely. I believe a 10/12-year (House/Senate) limit allows representatives to build up knowledge, experience and helps maintain continuity, while offering politicians a reasonable opportunity to serve for up to 22 years.
If elected, would you pledge to hold regular in-person town halls in the district?
Yes. I’ve been wanting to hold virtual meetups as a way to speak to potential constituents who may be too busy to go to in-person events. If elected, some sort of regular, ongoing connection with the people of CA48 is extremely reasonable.
Anything else readers should know about your candidacy?
I’m not here to play the political game. I’m here to bring real, people-first change. I’m focused on the issues that matter to everyday families: affordable healthcare, housing, improving economic opportunity, and democracy reform. This isn’t about party loyalty — it’s about fighting for what’s right and making sure our government works for the people, not billionaires.
I loathe the MAGA movement and will fight to hold Donald Trump accountable for his actions. I will also hold Elon Musk accountable for the damage he’s done to our government, ensuring any profit he gains from our personal information is clawed back.
But I’m equally committed to closing the loopholes that allow Congress people, like Nancy Pelosi, to profit from insider information. I’ll also call out Democratic leadership when they hinder progress and prioritize corporate donors over the people.
We are capable of so much more than this dumpster fire of a status quo. But “more” requires work. It requires a willingness to engage with the political process. It requires moving beyond red vs blue, and fighting for one another against the oligarchy that has suppressed wages, increased prices and made life feel impossible.
It also means fighting back against political parties who have sold us out for Super PAC donations, face time with elites, and promises of cushy exits after politicians leave office.
My message to this district: It’s not your fault that everything feels broken. But it IS up to you to help force positive change. Your vote is your voice, and the choice could not be clearer. Darrell Issa could care less about you, and therefore he MUST go.
I’m committed to transparency and accountability — and that scares people on both sides of the aisle. My campaign is about building a movement driven by the people, not big money or political elites. I want a future where everyone has a voice and a chance to succeed.
I’m not just running for a seat in Congress — I’m running to make real change and give power back to the people of CA48.
