Jim Desmond
$1,131,933
total money tracked
Connected Interests
48TH ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT
$760,342
Independent expenditure: Oppose Jim Desmond — $760,342.48 (65 expenditures)
Defeat Dangerous Jim Desmond for Supervisor 2022, sponsored by Service Employees International Union Local 221
$35,735
Independent expenditure OPPOSING Jim Desmond (SD County Supervisor D5, 2022). SEIU Local 221-sponsored labor IE committee; $35,735 Schedule E total committee spend (Strategies 360 $25K + Amplify Campaigns $7,120). Outspent ~10.3:1 by the Lincoln Club pro-Desmond IE ($368,656, ev 27204). Evidence 27212.
San Diego County Republican Party
$25,000
San Diego County Republican Party PAC donated $25,000 to Desmond 2018 supervisor campaign. Party also spent $31,000+ in independent expenditures supporting Desmond in June primary.
Martin Garrick
$25,000
Martin Garrick (ex-GOP Assemblyman, investor in Admiral Property Company, Lincoln Club Business League board member) donated $25,000 to North County Leadership Council Opposed to Boyd-Hodgson for Supervisor 2022, a Lincoln Club-sponsored IE committee supporting Desmond. Garrick is a Lincoln Club insider funding the Club's own IE committee — money flows from Lincoln Club board member to Lincoln Club-sponsored IE.
THOMAS W. SUDBERRY
$25,000
Tom Sudberry (Mission Valley developer, Sudberry Properties) donated $25,000 to North County Leadership Council Opposed to Boyd-Hodgson for Supervisor 2022, a Lincoln Club-sponsored IE committee supporting Desmond's reelection. Sudberry Properties is a major SD developer with projects in Mission Valley (Civita, Quarry Falls). Developer donation to IE committee circumvents SB 1439/Levine Act restrictions on direct contributions to supervisors who vote on their projects.
MAJORITY PAC
$22,854
Independent expenditure: Support Jim Desmond — $22,854.00 (1 expenditure)
Keith Jones
$17,000
Keith Jones (Ace Parking) donated $17,000 to Jim Desmond for Congress + Victory Fund on May 30, 2025. $3,500 + $3,500 direct + $10,000 Victory Fund. Desmond is SD County Supervisor (D5) running to replace Issa. Bipartisan hedging alongside $1,025 to von Wilpert (D).
Sudberry Properties
$14,000
Sudberry Properties employees contributed $14,000 aggregate to Desmond for Congress (FEC C00895722) in 2025-26 cycle (7 transactions, donors: Colton Sudberry, Marco A. Sessa, Thomas W. Sudberry Jr.).
Citizens for a Strong Economy
$7,000
County campaign expenditure via Desmond for Supervisor 2022
Hilltop Properties
$5,750
Hilltop Group Inc employees contributed $5,750 aggregate to Desmond for Congress (FEC C00895722) in 2025-26 cycle (3 transactions, donors: Karl Gailey, Tina Lovato Woods).
AFFIRMED HOUSING GROUP
$5,000
James Silverwood (CEO/President, Affirmed Housing) donated $5,000 to Desmond political committee. Contribution came months after Desmond voted as supervisor to provide county funding to Affirmed Housing for Carlsbad affordable housing project. Subject of FPPC complaint filed Sept 2024 by Barbara Campbell — alleges violation of state law prohibiting accepting >$250 from parties who received entitlements for one year after vote.
Sudberry Properties
$4,800
Sudberry Properties donated $4,800 to Desmond 2018 supervisor campaign. Largest single organizational donor identified. Sudberry is a major SD real estate firm.
ColRich Multifamily
$4,200
ColRich Multifamily CEO and members of Gabriel family donated total of $4,200 to Desmond's 2018 supervisor campaign. ColRich is a private residential real estate development firm based in La Jolla. Donors had District 3 home addresses (outside Desmond's D5).
ColRich Multifamily
$4,200
ColRich Multifamily / Gabriel family members donated $4,200 combined to Desmond 2018 supervisor campaign. ColRich is a La Jolla-based residential real estate developer managing 12,000+ units across 7 states.
Lincoln Club Business League
$3,750
County campaign expenditure via Desmond for Supervisor 2022
McMillin Companies
$3,700
McMillin Company donor Scott McMillin (real estate) contributed $3,700 to Desmond for Congress (FEC C00895722) under the MCMILLIN COMPANY employer in the 2025-26 cycle, 2 transactions; the McMillin household (Scott + Susan) gave $14,000 total. The legacy Corky McMillin development family's money follows Desmond from county supervisor to the federal CA-48 race.
Richard A. Woolsey
$3,500
Woolsey, Richard A. (R&R Construction) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-03-26. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Richard A. Woolsey
$3,500
Woolsey, Richard A. (R&R Construction) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-10-27. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Douglas C. Neff
$3,500
Neff, Douglas (Ihp Capital Partners) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-06-26. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Karl Gailey
$3,500
Gailey, Karl (Hilltop Group Inc) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-02-11. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Karl Gailey
$3,500
Gailey, Karl (Hilltop Group Inccom) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-02-11. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
BUSCH, TIMOTHY R MR.
$3,500
Busch, Timothy (Pacific Hospitality Group) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-25. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
BARNHART, DOUG
$3,500
Barnhart, Douglas E. (Barnhart-Reese Construction) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-03-31. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Terrence R. Caster
$3,500
Caster, Terrence R. (Caster Properties) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-06-09. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
GARY LEVITT
$3,500
Levitt, Gary (Sea Breeze Properties) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2026-02-23. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
JIM SILVERWOOD
$3,500
Jim Silverwood (Affirmed Housing) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (C00895722). This federal contribution came 8 months after FPPC opened investigation into Silverwood $5K state contribution to Desmond following Windsor Pointe vote.
Affirmed Housing
$3,500
Affirmed Housing employees contributed $3,500 aggregate to Desmond for Congress (FEC C00895722) in 2025-26 cycle (1 transactions, donors: Jim Silverwood).
Kathleen Flynn
$3,500
Flynn, Kathleen (Bell Holdings) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-12-19. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Steven Flynn
$3,500
Flynn, Steve (Bell Holdings) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-12-19. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Tyler Metz
$3,500
Metz, Tyler (Metz Properties Llc) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-02-04. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Tyler Metz
$3,500
Metz, Tyler (Metz Properties Llc) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-05-22. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
REFORM LEADERS PAC
$3,500
Independent expenditure: Support Jim Desmond — $3,500.00 (1 expenditure)
Thomas J. Harbrecht
$3,500
Harbrecht, Thomas J. (Pacific Coast Properties) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-06-30. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
David Horowitz
$3,500
Horowitz, David (Horowitz Group) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-06-27. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Thomas W. Sudberry Jr
$3,500
Sudberry Jr., Thomas W. (Sudberry Properties) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-06-26. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Laine Lansing
$3,500
Lansing, Laine (Lansing Companies) contributed $3,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-25. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Aristotle Inc.
$3,250
County campaign expenditure via Desmond for Supervisor 2022
Donald R. Swortwood
$3,250
Swortwood, Don (Western States Investment Corp) contributed $3,250 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-30. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
CHASE CARDMEMBER SERVICE
$3,213
County campaign expenditure via Desmond for Supervisor 2022
The Newland Group
$3,000
Newland Real Estate Group employees contributed $3,000 aggregate to Desmond for Congress (FEC C00895722) in 2025-26 cycle (2 transactions, donors: Robert B. Mcleod).
Douglas Manchester
$2,500
Manchester, Douglas (Manchester Financial Group) contributed $2,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-10. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Ben Badiee
$2,500
Badiee, Ben (Badiee Development Inc) contributed $2,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-01. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Laine Lansing
$2,500
Lansing, Laine (Lansing Companies) contributed $2,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-06-30. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Rick Backus
$2,500
Backus, Rick (Eleven Western Builders Inc) contributed $2,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-03-03. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
HARPER, JEFF
$2,500
Harper, Jeff (Harper Construction) contributed $2,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-02-11. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Chelsea M. Sessa
$2,500
Sessa, Chelsea M. (Chelsea Investment) contributed $2,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-30. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Colton Sudberry
$2,500
Sudberry, Colton (Sudberry Properties) contributed $2,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-03-13. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
John Cox
$2,500
Cox, John (Cox Financial Group) contributed $2,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-06-23. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Thomas W. Sudberry Jr
$2,500
Sudberry Jr., Thomas W. (Sudberry Properties) contributed $2,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-01-21. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego
$2,448
County campaign expenditure via Desmond for Supervisor 2022
James H. Ashcraft
$2,400
Ashcraft, James H. (Ashcraft Investments Co) contributed $2,400 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-06-16. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
San Diego County Republican Party
$2,400
County campaign expenditure via Desmond for Supervisor 2022
Common Sense California
$2,200
County campaign expenditure via Desmond for Supervisor 2022
Newland Communities
$2,100
Newland Communities donated $2,100 to Desmond's campaigns since 2018. Desmond then voted 3-2 to change Newland Sierra ballot language to developer-preferred wording (Nov 2019).
Newland Communities
$2,100
POTENTIAL LEVINE ACT VIOLATION: Desmond voted 3-2 to adopt Newland Communities' preferred ballot language for Newland Sierra referendum while having received $2,100 in contributions (8.4x pre-2025 $250 threshold). GPA was suspended by referendum petition, arguably making proceeding still "pending" when Desmond voted. No public disclosure. BIA CEO texted proposed wording; No on A campaign attorney drafted it. Novel legal question — no direct FPPC precedent on ballot language votes as entitlement proceedings.
Cloverfield Management
$2,050
Cloverfield Management (Santa Monica) donated $2,050 to Desmond 2018 supervisor campaign.
MARCO SESSA
$2,000
Sessa, Marco A. (Sudberry Properties) contributed $2,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-05-13. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Atomic Investments
$2,000
Atomic Investments donated $2,000 to Desmond 2018 supervisor campaign.
San Diego Gun Owners Pac
$2,000
County campaign expenditure via Desmond for Supervisor 2022
Gregory Lansing
$2,000
Lansing, Gregory P (Lansing Companies) contributed $2,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2026-02-25. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Robert B. Mcleod
$2,000
Mcleod, Robert B. (Newland Real Estate Group) contributed $2,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-01-27. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Alyce W. Ashcraft
$1,900
Ashcraft, Alyce W. (Ashcraft Investments Co) contributed $1,900 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-30. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Suncoast Financial
$1,600
Suncoast Financial (San Diego) donated $1,600 to Desmond 2018 supervisor campaign.
Gafcon Inc
$1,600
Gafcon Inc donated $1,600 to Desmond 2018 supervisor campaign. SD construction/design management firm.
Kvaric Capital and Risk Management
$1,600
Kvaric Capital and Risk Management donated $1,600 to Desmond 2018 supervisor campaign.
Hilltop Properties
$1,600
Hilltop Properties (Escondido) donated $1,600 to Desmond 2018 supervisor campaign.
MARCO SESSA
$1,500
Sessa, Marco A. (Sudberry Properties) contributed $1,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-30. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
John A. Bailey
$1,500
Bailey, John (Lusardi Construction) contributed $1,500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-30. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Alyce W. Ashcraft
$1,400
Ashcraft, Alyce W. (Ashcraft Investments Co) contributed $1,400 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2026-02-25. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Touchstone Communities
$1,300
Touchstone Communities donated $1,300 to Desmond 2018 supervisor campaign. SD-based real estate investment and land development company.
Touchstone Communities
$1,300
Touchstone Communities, a San Diego-based real estate investment and land development company, donated $1,300 to Desmond's 2018 supervisor campaign.
Tina Lovato Woods
$1,250
Lovato Woods, Tina (Hilltop Group Inc) contributed $1,250 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-06-11. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Douglas Manchester
$1,000
Manchester, Douglas (Manchester Financial Group) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-04-17. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Michael Schumacher
$1,000
Schumacher, Michael (Enact Partners) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-02-10. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
John A. Bailey
$1,000
Bailey, John (Lusardi Construction) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-08-04. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Ronald D. Harper
$1,000
Harper, Ronald D. (Harper Construction) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-30. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Robert B. Mcleod
$1,000
Mcleod, Robert B. (Newland Real Estate Group) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-11-20. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
John Cox
$1,000
Cox, John (Cox Financial Group) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-01-27. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Colton Sudberry
$1,000
Sudberry, Colton (Sudberry Properties) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-08-21. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Douglas Manchester
$1,000
Manchester, Douglas (Manchester Financial Group) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-10. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Laine Lansing
$1,000
Lansing, Laine (Lansing Companies) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-03-07. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
MICHAEL TURK
$1,000
Turk, Mike (Kd Development) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-07-30. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
William Davidson
$1,000
Davidson, William (Davidson Communities) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-30. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Tina Lovato Woods
$1,000
Lovato Woods, Tina (Hilltop Group Inc) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-02-17. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
John A. Bailey
$1,000
Bailey, John (Lusardi Construction) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-11-13. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Thomas W. Sudberry Jr
$1,000
Sudberry Jr., Thomas W. (Sudberry Properties) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-03-29. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
MICHAEL TURK
$1,000
Turk, Mike (Kd Development) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-10-02. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Alyce W. Ashcraft
$1,000
Ashcraft, Alyce (Ashcraft Investments Co) contributed $1,000 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-01-19. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Farouk Kubba
$800
Farouk Kubba (Vista San Marcos LLC, San Marcos Highlands developer) donated $800 to Desmond supervisor campaign in June 2017, seven months after Desmond voted Nov 15, 2016 to approve his 189-home San Marcos Highlands project. Exceeded San Marcos city $250 contribution limit. Subject of 2018 complaint — Desmond was cleared (no probable cause, statute of limitations).
William Baber
$750
County campaign expenditure via Desmond for Supervisor 2022
Alyce W. Ashcraft
$600
Ashcraft, Alyce W. (Ashcraft Investments Co) contributed $600 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2026-02-25. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
William Davidson
$500
Davidson, William (Davidson Communities) contributed $500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-30. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Jean Silverwood
$500
Jean Silverwood (Retired, Rancho Santa Fe) contributed $500 to Desmond for Congress (C00895722).
Escondido Chamber of Commerce
$500
County campaign expenditure via Desmond for Supervisor 2022
Michael Schumacher
$500
Schumacher, Michael (Enact Partners) contributed $500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-24. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
William Davidson
$500
Davidson, William (Davidson Communities) contributed $500 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-30. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
Donald R. Swortwood
$250
Swortwood, Don (Western States Investment Corp) contributed $250 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-08-19. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
James H. Ashcraft
$100
Ashcraft, James H. (Ashcraft Investments Co) contributed $100 to Desmond for Congress (FEC committee C00895722) on 2025-09-30. Federal donation by D5 developer-industry donor to Jim Desmond's 2024-26 congressional campaign.
NCAA
$80
County campaign expenditure via Desmond for Supervisor 2022
Constant Contact
$60
County campaign expenditure via Desmond for Supervisor 2022
Lawrich Consulting LLC
Lawrich Consulting LLC lobbied Kim Desmond re: City actions to create Cannabis Business Improvement District
San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
Jim Desmond serves as SD County Supervisor D5 (2019-present) and represents North County on the SANDAG Board of Directors. Chairs the SANDAG Transportation Committee. Vocal opponent of Measure G 2024. Subject of Oct 2024 FPPC complaint over $5K Affirmed Housing contribution after favorable vote (existing evidence #892).
NaphCare, Inc.
Seconded the motion on BOS Item 1 (Aug 4, 2020) authorizing Sheriff RFI/RFP for comprehensive jail healthcare services — the structural decision that produced the NaphCare contract awarded Sept 12, 2023
Terra Lawson-Remer
Supervisor Jim Desmond formally opposes Lawson-Remer fiscal subcommittee tax proposals. Brings board item "Fighting the Rising Cost of Living by Opposing Unjust New Taxes." Lists 5+ tax mechanisms being developed by subcommittee: half-cent sales tax, transfer tax (5,000% increase), payroll tax, unknown mechanisms. Calls county approach a "cost-of-living problem" not "revenue problem." Also references subcommittee operating "out of view of the public."
Associated General Contractors San Diego Chapter
Associated General Contractors (AGC) San Diego Chapter lobbies the Board of Supervisors on construction industry policy through VP Government Affairs Dustin Steiner (registered lobbyist #1212). Steiner is a former chief of staff to Supervisors Horn and Gaspar — he has insider relationships with the Board. AGC represents general contractors who build the residential and commercial developments that the Board approves.
Hunter McDonald
Hunter McDonald serves as Land Use Policy Advisor to Supervisor Jim Desmond. Previously spent 4.5 years at Planning & Development Services (PDS) as Land Use/Environmental Planner 2, processing developer projects under CEQA. Now advises Desmond on land use policy and staffs him at BOS hearings. Second PDS-to-Desmond staff pipeline after Gretler.
Darren Gretler
Darren Gretler serves as Chief of Staff to Supervisor Jim Desmond. Previously served as Assistant Director of Planning & Development Services (PDS, 2012-2016) and Chief of Staff to Supervisor Bill Horn (2016-2018). This is a revolving door connection: Gretler moved from the county department that processes developer project applications to the office of the supervisor who votes on those applications.
DELTA AIR LINES
Jim Desmond worked as a Delta Air Lines captain for 33 years (1986-2020), flying Boeing 757/767 aircraft internationally. Retired early in 2020 due to COVID pandemic. This was his primary private-sector career alongside his political career — he served simultaneously as San Marcos mayor (2006-2018) and Delta pilot.
Lincoln Club of San Diego County
Lincoln Club of San Diego County created the "North County Leadership Council Opposed to Boyd-Hodgson for Supervisor 2022" IE committee (filed Aug 12, 2022) specifically to defend Desmond's D5 seat. Key donors through this IE: Martin Garrick $25K, Tom Sudberry $25K, Community Leadership Coalition/Lincoln Club $15K. This is the same IE committee factory model Lincoln Club used for Faulconer (Homelessness Crisis, Neighborhood Action Council) and Turner (Turn SD Around).
Building Industry Association
At Nov 20, 2025 BOS housing workshop, BIA presented "CHIPS" implementation package (fast-track zoning, permitting, village development). Desmond echoed BIA position by attacking environmental groups suing over Harmony Grove as "abusing the legal process" and calling for penalties on "frivolous lawsuits on housing projects." BIA under new CEO Aimee Faucett (started Dec 15) explicitly prioritizes "countering anti-housing campaigns" — Desmond's rhetoric directly aligns with this BIA policy goal. Faucett then co-authored Jan 14, 2026 VOSD op-ed pushing backcountry housing/VMT changes.
Cottonwood Cajon ES
Desmond voted unanimously with BOS to REJECT Cottonwood Sand Mine (214 acres, former golf course in Rancho San Diego). Desmond said he "struggled with this one" but concluded "it's just not a good fit" citing community character, noise, truck traffic. Developer Schlesinger had donated ~$100K to IE committees supporting Faulconer (via Cottonwood Cajon ES and XJD LLC). Despite pro-development track record, Desmond voted against — one of the rare cases where massive developer IE spending did NOT correlate with a favorable vote.
Building Industry Association
inewsource investigation found developer-hired consultants produced environmental reviews for fire-prone developments. County planning staff fed fire officials talking points for presentations to supervisors. Desmond voted to approve HGVS in Oct 2025 despite this documented pattern.
Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove Town Council
Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove Town Council and Endangered Habitats League filed lawsuit (Dec 20, 2025) challenging BOS Oct 1, 2025 approval of HGVS. Alleges county reapproved without updated fire safety review, relying on decade-old analyses. County staff directed RSF Fire not to conduct new review. Fire Chief McQuead acknowledged project would not pass under current fire code. Desmond made the motion to approve.
Sierra Club San Diego Chapter
Sierra Club San Diego filed CEQA petition in SD Superior Court (late Oct 2025) challenging BOS unanimous approval of Harmony Grove Village South. Argues EIR is outdated, fails to account for 2020 VMT law, GHG emissions, and wildfire safety regulations. This is continuation of 2018 legal challenge. Desmond voted to approve as part of unanimous Oct 1, 2025 BOS vote.
AFFIRMED HOUSING GROUP
Desmond introduced companion pilot program and voted 4-0 (April 10, 2024) to commit No Place Like Home operating reserve funds for security at Windsor Pointe (Carlsbad), built by Affirmed Housing Group with $13M county NPLH funding. Desmond and Lawson-Remer co-authored proposals. This is the favorable vote cited in FPPC complaint — Silverwood/Affirmed Housing subsequently donated $5K to Desmond political committee.
Vista San Marcos LLC
Desmond voted Nov 15, 2016 on San Marcos City Council to approve Vista San Marcos LLC's San Marcos Highlands project (189 single-family homes, Las Posas Road). Developer Farouk Kubba subsequently donated $800 to Desmond's supervisor campaign 7 months later.
Newland Communities
Desmond voted 3-2 with Gaspar and Cox to change Newland Sierra ballot language to developer-preferred wording (Nov 19, 2019) after Newland threatened legal action. Both Gaspar and Desmond received Newland contributions. Dianne Jacob said she 'never seen anything like this' in 27 years.
Dave McQuead
Fire Chief McQuead provided favorable testimony at BOS hearing on Oct 1 2025, directly responding to Desmond's question "Does the project adequately address the risks of fires and evacuation scenarios?" with "That is correct. The project is safe." McQuead had previously said at Sept 17 town council meeting that the project would not pass under today's fire code. His letter confirmed fire district was directed by county NOT to review the fire protection plan.
Pappas Investments
Desmond voted unanimously with Board to approve land exchange with Pappas Investments for Campus Park West project in Fallbrook (283 condos, 513K sf commercial, 116 acres). Desmond enthusiastically supported: "I think it's important that we stay focused on the solutions." County exchanged 0.837 acres of public land to enable project. Original GPA approved 2014.
RCS Harmony Partners
Desmond voted unanimously with Board to approve RCS Harmony Partners' Harmony Grove Village South (453 homes) despite overwhelming community opposition over fire evacuation risks. RCS principals donated $170K to political campaigns during 2024-2025 cycles, funding both sides of supervisorial races. Developer David Kovach donated $30K to BIA committee, $25K to McCann committee, $10K to Dem party.
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce endorsed Desmond for D5 supervisor in 2018.
National Border Patrol Council
National Border Patrol Council endorsed Jim Desmond for Congress (CA-49/CA-48).
Deputy Sheriffs' Association of San Diego County
Deputy Sheriffs' Association of San Diego County endorsed Desmond for supervisor (2018, 2022) and Congress. Consistent law enforcement backer.
Darrell Issa
Rep. Darrell Issa endorsed Supervisor Jim Desmond for Congress upon announcing retirement March 2026. Called Desmond "a true patriot" with "20-year record of public service." Desmond switched from CA-49 to CA-48 to fill Issa seat.
Building Industry Association
Building Industry Association CEO Borre Winckel and board member Jeff O'Connor directly contacted Desmond to change SOS ballot language. BIA drafted proposed language through No on A campaign attorney. Public records revealed texts and emails coordinating the effort.
San Diego County Farm Bureau
San Diego County Farm Bureau endorsed Desmond for D5 supervisor reelection in 2022. Key endorser given D5 covers rural/agricultural North County (Fallbrook, Ramona, Valley Center, Borrego Springs).
San Diego County Apartment Association
San Diego County Apartment Association endorsed Desmond for D5 supervisor in 2018. Represents apartment owners/managers/investors.
Associated General Contractors of San Diego
Associated General Contractors of San Diego endorsed Desmond for D5 supervisor in 2018.
Building Industry Association
Building Industry Association endorsed Desmond for D5 supervisor in 2018. Key endorser given Desmond controls rural/agricultural land use authority in unincorporated North County.
Lincoln Club of San Diego County
Lincoln Club of San Diego County endorsed Desmond for supervisor (2018, 2022) and for Congress (2026). Lincoln Club is a pro-business, pro-Republican PAC led by Kevin Faulconer.
San Diego County Board of Supervisors
Desmond seconded the Jacob motion on Item 1 (Sheriff RFP authorization). Voted AYE.
Kelly Martinez
Policy alignment with Sheriff: Desmond cast the sole no vote on the Dec 10 2024 sanctuary ordinance and (per evidence 878) led the Mar 11 2025 reconsideration attempt that failed 2-1-1. Desmond's political posture on ICE matches Sheriff Martinez's operational refusal to adopt the BOS policy.
Common Sense California, controlled by Jim Desmond
Common Sense California is the controlled committee of Jim Desmond (state filer 1470040). Centerpiece spend: $36,877 IE literature supporting the statewide Voter ID Initiative 25-0007. Evidence 27213.
Armand Lawrich King
Armand Lawrich King (Lawrich Consulting LLC) lobbied Kim Desmond
Investigations
San Diego County Board of Supervisors: A Primer Published
Structural primer for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Explains the five-district geographic structure under CA Government Code §25000 et seq, the 3-of-5 majority on an $8-billion budget, the Board's hire/fire power over the Chief Administrative Officer, and the two-term limit added by county voters in 2010 (Measure B).
The Trolley Question, Part 2: Paying to Say No Published
Two SANDAG board members vote against the trolley extension. One has $14,100 in donations from her board's vendors. One has zero. The bought chair and the unbought suburban mayor both keep the trolley off the beach. The board geometry is the rot — and it is older than any check.
The Developer Donor Base: How Real Estate Money Built Jim Desmond's Political Career Published
In San Diego's Fifth District, the companies that need county land use approvals are the same ones funding the supervisor who grants them. This report traces direct donations from 8+ real estate firms, the Lincoln Club IE committee factory built to circumvent SB 1439 reform, the Newland Sierra ballot language vote, and the congressional campaign where the same donor base follows with fewer guardrails.
Building in the Fire Zone: How $170,000, a Silenced Fire District, and a Unanimous Vote Put 453 Homes at the End of a Two-Lane Road Published
Developer RCS Harmony Partners donated $170K across both parties while Harmony Grove Village South was pending. Attempted $850K donation to fire district blocked by community in 4 hours. County directed fire district not to review fire protection plan. Fire chief contradicted public statements in BOS testimony. Two lawsuits pending.
On Saturday The Library Is Closed: How San Diego Chose The Budget Crisis Published
The Words Were Not His Own: How Industry Ghostwrites Ballot Language, Staffs the Office, and Pays After the Vote Published
Part 3 of The Desmond Files traces how developer money becomes county policy through three layers: industry-ghostwritten ballot language, a revolving door from Planning & Development Services to the supervisor's office, and a pattern of donations arriving after favorable votes.
The Supervisors Published
Eight billion dollars. Five seats. The donors know your supervisor's name.
The Faulconer Machine Published
A Republican mayor of a blue city, 101 Ash Street, the stadium wars, and the donor class entrenching as the county begins to flip.
The Gloria Machine Published
The machine changes party but not behavior: the same lobbyists and developers, now operating through Democratic officeholders.