50th Congressional District candidates react to Duncan D. Hunter’s guilty plea

December 2, 2019

KUSI Newsroom,

Posted: December 2, 2019

Updated: 6:38 PM

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – Monday morning, Congressman Duncan D. Hunter’s told KUSI News in an exclusive interview that he would be pleading guilty to one count of misuse of campaign funds.

The congressman said that he will admit to one count of misusing campaign funds, saying he was doing so for the sake of his three children. He continued to say that while he expects to spend time in custody, he hopes that his wife will not be incarcerated as “I think my kids need a mom in the home.”

KUSI reached out to the other candidates in the race for the 50th Congressional District to get their reaction to the news.

Issa stopped by the KUSI News studio Monday morning to further explain what Hunter’s guilty plea means, and how it impacts the highly contested race for the 50th Congressional District.

Former Congressman Darrell Issa also released the following statement in response to Hunter’s announcement.

“As a friend and a colleague, I thank Duncan Hunter for his service to our country in the Marine Corps and in Congress, where he has always been a strong conservative voice on behalf of his constituents. Though his misuse of campaign funds was clearly wrong, I wish him and his family the best as they address the matters ahead of them.”

Former San Diego City Councilman Carl Demaio, who is challenging Hunter for the seat, issued a statement Monday regarding the development.

“While this must have been a tough decision for him, Congressman Hunter’s decision to plead guilty is the right one for his family and his constituents and shows that no one should be above the law — especially members of Congress,” he said. “My thoughts and prayers are with the Hunter family as they go through this difficult process.”

Carl DeMaio also stopped by the KUSI News studio to further comment on Hunter’s announcement, his remarks are below.

Democrat candidate, Ammar Campa-Najjar, lost to Hunter in the 2018 election just three months after the congressman was indicted. He told KUSI that he believed Hunter was guilty all along, adding that he “wanted to let the courts decide.” Campa-Najjar continued saying, “honestly, I think it’s a good thing that he’s kind of taken responsibility, but it’s also a sad day. I mean, no constituent expects, and hopes, for their congressman to be guilty of a crime and go to prison.”

Campa-Najjar’s full remarks are below.