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Univision Executive and Republican Candidate Challenges Incumbent Levin's Record in California's 49th Congressional District.
In a notable show of financial strength and community support, Univision executive and Republican hopeful Margarita Wilkinson has achieved a significant milestone in her bid for California's 49th Congressional District. Wilkinson announced a remarkable $1 million fundraising achievement in the last FEC reporting period, underscoring her robust campaign efforts and growing popularity.
Wilkinson's campaign message sharply criticizes the status quo in Washington and the performance of the current Democratic representative, Mike Levin.
“Washington is broken and I’m committed to doing what is necessary to defeat Mike Levin and fight for the people who are being left behind in our economy,” Wilkinson asserted. Highlighting the challenges facing the district, she cited alarming statistics since Levin's tenure: a 44% increase in the cost of living, 85% rise in gas prices, 39% hike in housing costs, and a 21% surge in homelessness. Wilkinson emphasized, “This isn’t about Republicans or Democrats, it’s about effectiveness. Mike Levin has voted with Joe Biden 100% of the time - that is not leadership, that is partisanship.”
Wilkinson also targeted the handling of border security under Levin's watch, pointing out a significant rise in illegal entries and the strain on immigration detention centers.
“The crisis at our southern border is out-of-control and Mike Levin has been MIA, earning an “F” from NumbersUSA. In the five years he’s been in office, border enforcement actions have increased 404% with more than 7 million entering the country illegally,” she elaborated.
The Republican candidate's campaign is buoyed by endorsements from prominent local leaders, including San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, former San Diego County Supervisor Kristin Gaspar, and former San Diego Councilmembers Chris Cate and Scott Sherman.
In contrast, Democratic incumbent Levin reported raising $1.2 million in the first half of the year, with $865,000 remaining in his campaign funds. Despite this, Levin's previous election win was marginal in a district that Governor Gavin Newsom won by less than 1%. The Cook Political Report rates the 49th District as D+3, indicating a competitive political landscape.
Wilkinson's impressive fundraising achievement and critical stance on key issues signify a robust challenge to the incumbent, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral contest in California's 49th District.