Early returns in California's 48th Congressional District point to a November matchup between Republican Jim Desmond and Democrat Marni Von Wilpert, according to East County Magazine.

Desmond, a San Diego County supervisor and former San Marcos mayor, held a sizable lead in both the San Diego County and Riverside County portions of the district. Von Wilpert, a San Diego City Council member, was leading the Democratic field for the second runoff spot.

East County Magazine reported that the district changed significantly under California Proposition 50, turning a once reliably conservative seat into one of the state's most closely watched congressional contests. The district now stretches across San Diego and Riverside counties, including inland communities that make up much of East County.

For Santee voters, the race will help decide who represents the city in Congress after Rep. Darrell Issa's retirement from the reshaped district. The winner will enter a seat expected to draw statewide and national attention because of its role in the fight for control of the House.

Results remain unofficial while election officials continue processing late-arriving mail ballots and provisional ballots. East County Magazine reported that certification could take several days.