Courtney von Wilpert: From Legal Advocacy to Public Service
Courtney von Wilpert has built a diverse professional career rooted in legal advocacy, labor rights, and public service. From volunteering in the heart of a global health crisis to serving on the San Diego City Council, her trajectory reflects a consistent commitment to systemic justice and community representation.
Early Career and Legal Foundations
Von Wilpert's journey began with a degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Following her undergraduate studies, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Botswana, where she worked during the peak of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.
After completing law school, she transitioned into legal practice with a focus on social justice. She founded a legal clinic associated with the Mississippi Center for Justice and served as a law clerk for Judge James E. Graves Jr. Her experience also includes working as an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the federal agency responsible for enforcing U.S. labor law.
Von Wilpert further expanded her expertise in policy by serving as a detail staffer for the United States House Committee on Education and Labor, where she acted as an advisor to the committee chair, Congressman Bobby Scott. In 2017, she joined the Economic Policy Institute as Associate Labor Counsel, and from 2018 to 2020, she served as Deputy City Attorney in the San Diego City Attorney's Office.
Service on the San Diego City Council
Election Success
Von Wilpert entered local politics in 2020. In the nonpartisan blanket primary for the San Diego City Council, she placed first and subsequently defeated Joe Leventhal in the November general election. She officially assumed office on December 10, 2020.
Her popularity and performance in office led to a smooth reelection process in 2024. Running unopposed, she won the primary election on March 5, 2024, securing her seat for another term.
Legislative Impact and Appointments
During her tenure, von Wilpert has taken on significant administrative and legislative roles. In December 2020, she was appointed to the board of directors for the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.
On the legislative front, she collaborated with fellow Council member Sean Elo-Rivera to sponsor a law aimed at consumer equity. This legislation requires grocery stores that provide digital coupons to ensure the same discounts are available to all customers, regardless of their access to digital tools.
Transition to Congressional Aspirations
Following her 2024 reelection, von Wilpert initially filed to run for California's 40th State Senatorial district in the 2026 election. However, she soon shifted her ambitions toward federal office, dropping her state senate bid to run for the U.S. Congress in California's 48th congressional district.
Her congressional campaign has garnered support from several prominent organizations and figures, including the California Federation of Labor Unions AFL-CIO, the California Teachers Association, the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, and Representative Mark Takano.
Key Facts
- Education: Degree from University of California, Berkeley.
- International Service: Peace Corps volunteer in Botswana during the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
- Legal Experience: Former Deputy City Attorney of San Diego and attorney for the National Labor Relations Board.
- Local Governance: Elected to San Diego City Council in 2020; reelected unopposed in 2024.
- Key Legislation: Co-sponsored a law ensuring equal access to grocery store discounts for non-digital users.
- Current Goal: Candidate for U.S. Congress in California's 48th congressional district.
| Period/Year | Role/Achievement | Organization/Entity |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Graduation | Peace Corps Volunteer | Botswana |
| 2017 | Associate Labor Counsel | Economic Policy Institute |
| 2018–2020 | Deputy City Attorney | San Diego City Attorney's Office |
| 2020–Present | City Council Member | San Diego City Council |
| 2026 (Planned) | Congressional Candidate | California's 48th District |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Courtney von Wilpert's educational background?
She holds a degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and subsequently graduated from law school.
How did von Wilpert enter the San Diego City Council?
She won the 2020 election after placing first in the nonpartisan blanket primary and defeating Joe Leventhal in the general election.
What specific consumer protection law did she help sponsor?
Along with Sean Elo-Rivera, she sponsored a law requiring grocery stores to make digital coupon discounts available to all customers.
Which office is Courtney von Wilpert seeking in 2026?
After initially considering a state senate run, she is now running for the U.S. Congress in California's 48th congressional district.
Who are some of the key supporters of her congressional campaign?
Her campaign is supported by Representative Mark Takano, the California Teachers Association, the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, and the California Federation of Labor Unions AFL-CIO.