Corinna Contreras, a two-term Vista City Council member, and award-winning community advocate, and is running for the U.S. House of Representatives. She will bring her record of effective, progressive leadership to California's newly redrawn 48th Congressional District. A lifelong resident of the district, Contreras announced her candidacy, stating: "I’ve dedicated my career to supporting working families, at-risk youth, and neglected neighborhoods. Now that Darrell Issa is my congressman once again, I am motivated to step in and provide the leadership and public service our communities deserve.”

Contreras brings a unique profile to the race, as she is one of the few candidates with a successful track record of being elected to office. Her first election to the Vista City Council in 2018 was a hard-fought victory, won by only 66 votes. This victory made history, establishing her as the city's first Latina and first LGBTQ+ council member. Her decisive reelection in 2022, which included a term as deputy mayor, demonstrated strong grassroots support for her bold agenda.

While on city council, Contreras has delivered transformative change by turning policy into tangible results. She championed robust investments in public safety, including building a critical fire station, while simultaneously expanding vital social programs. She directed millions of dollars in annual cannabis tax revenue toward creating a popular youth scholarship program, funding a safe parking program for the unhoused population, and launching North County's first shelter for transitional-age youth: the VisTAY House. Her commitment to equity and connectivity has led to her champion a landmark Community Safety and Due Process Resolution to protect immigrant rights, and bringing an affordable micro transit service, NCTD+, to the city.

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Contreras's impactful policy work has been recognized with numerous honors, including California Assembly Woman of the Year (2019), San Diego Democratic Party Legislator of the Year (2022), and San Diego Bike Coalition Elected Official of the Year (2025). Her commitment to public service extends beyond City Hall. She is a policy advocate for the local non-profit Climate Action Campaign, where she holds local governments accountable for their climate goals. She is deeply involved in the community, serving on the board of the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and defending marginalized communities and ensuring access to essential services.

 

As a lifelong resident of the 48th District, Contreras has deep roots and a passionate connection to the area, from the art scenes of Palm Springs, and the forests of Idyllwild, to the superblooms of Anza Borrego. Her professional contributions to diverse industries, such as art and agriculture, including her role as an Idea Ambassador for the Berry Good Food Foundation, inform her perspective on the region's economic needs.

 

Once in Congress, Contreras will advocate for the priorities she has championed locally. She believes the government must work to improve everyday life. Corinna is running for Congress to use every available tool to lower costs for working families, champion social equity, and build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

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Corinna Contreras is a Democrat running for CA-48

Contact info@contreras4congress.com for general info and press inquiries