Ammar Campa-Najjar accused of lying about Navy service
Share this @internewscast.com

A congressional hopeful from California, who is romantically linked to a wealthy San Diego heiress, is facing scrutiny for allegedly embellishing his military credentials to boost his political campaign. Notably, he is accused of orchestrating campaign photo ops at a fallen Navy veteran’s gravesite.

The US Navy has initiated an inquiry into accusations against Ammar Campa-Najjar, a Navy Reserve officer and the partner of Representative Sara Jacobs. Campa-Najjar, who is on his third congressional campaign, is suspected of breaching Department of Defense regulations by campaigning in military uniform.

In a statement, a spokesperson from the US Navy remarked, “Lt. j.g. Campa-Najjar serves as a Navy Reserve officer with the Fleet Public Affairs Center in San Diego. The Navy is currently investigating the issue, and we have no additional comments at this time.”

His campaign website includes images of him clad in a Navy uniform, which is permissible provided there is a clear notice that the military does not endorse the candidate.

However, Campa-Najjar allegedly overstated his rank, labeling himself as a “Navy Officer” in campaign documents and on social media, a title he has since revised in recent updates.

But he appears to have inflated his position — describing himself as a “Navy Officer” in campaign filings and on social media before editing the mentions in recent weeks.

“There’s a matter of integrity,” Brian VanRiper, a Marine veteran and Democratic campaign consultant, told KBPS. “Veterans can immediately smell this out quickly.”

Under military directives, reserve officers “must clearly indicate” their reserve status.

“While the Navy has not requested any changes be made, the campaign is happy to include additional details of Ammar’s service to the nation,” Campa-Najjar’s campaign manager, Andi McNew, told The Post in an email.

“Ammar is a proud Navy Reserve Officer who has been on active duty status throughout periods of his career, including in the Phillipines, as well as at Pacific Fleet Head Quarters and Fort Meade.”

Campa-Najjar — the grandson of a Palestinian militant who’s racked up endorsements from top Dems like Rep. Eric Swalwell, Rep. Ted Lieu and Jacobs, his own girlfriend — has posted photos of himself in uniform on his Facebook and Instagram accounts since joining the Navy Reserve in 2023, after his most recent failed campaign for mayor of Chula Vista.

In one image, which was later used on his campaign website, he is seen saluting the grave site of a deceased Navy officer and Korean War veteran named Richard K. Stephenson — a possible violation of federal laws and Veterans Affairs regulations that strictly bar campaign activities at national cemeteries.

The image has since been removed.

Campa-Najjar has no relationship with Stephenson, who died in 1997, his campaign admitted.

“There is no personal relationship with Mr. Stephenson; the photo reflects Ammar participating in an official Memorial Day event where he, alongside his unit, honored fallen service members. At no point did the campaign engage in political activity at a VA cemetery, and any suggestion otherwise is a misrepresentation of both the facts and the applicable rules,” McNew told The Post.

“If this story is meant to raise questions about Ammar’s service, the facts are straightforward: he has served honorably, followed all applicable regulations, and been transparent about his record. We encourage a focus on issues that actually impact service members and their families rather than attempts to manufacture controversy.”

The candidate for California’s 48th District — who’s raked in more than $200,000 from Jacobs and her extended family across his three ill-fated political campaigns — has since updated his website and campaign materials to note his reserve status.

Najjar’s alleged misrepresentations and odd political history have earned eye-rolls from fellow Dems — some of whom warned against endorsing him.

Campa-Najjar first ran for Congress as a Bernie bro-style lefty and lost to Rep. Duncan Hunter, who was then under federal indictment.

He made a baffling U-turn in his next failed campaign — holding a campaign event with a far-right group and claiming he opposed abortion and assault weapons bans — before losing to Rep. Darrell Issa.

He then parachuted into nearby Chula Vista, running again as a liberal and losing to Republican John McCann in the predominantly Democratic city.

A letter penned by San Diego County Dem official Lauren Cazares and other local Dems cited his “repeated defeats” and “lack of clear principles” in urging Democrats not to back him in the high-stakes congressional race.

“Campa-Najjar has lost three straight races to Republicans: in 2018 and 2020 for Congress, and again in 2022 for Chula Vista Mayor — each time in winnable territory,” the letter stateed.

Jacobs, the granddaughter of Qualcomm founder Irwin Jacobs, has reportedly escorted Campa-Najjar around high-dollar events like an annual Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee retreat in posh Torrey Pines.

Campa-Najjar’s main Democratic rival in the primary is Marni Von Wilpert, a member of the San Diego City Council.

They are competing in a top-two primary against Republican Jim Desmond, a member of the San Diego Board of Supervisors. Incumbent Rep. Darrell Issa announced his retirement earlier this month.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Scammer who claimed more than 30K in benefits claiming she couldn't leave home was caught surfing in Mexico

Fraudster Who Swindled $30K in Benefits Found Surfing in Mexico

A woman from the UK managed to fraudulently claim over $30,000 in…
‘Lovers’ Lane’ murders suspect nabbed decades after couple found dead in car

Suspect Arrested Decades Later in Infamous ‘Lovers’ Lane’ Double Homicide Case

The “Lovers’ Lane” mystery, a cold case that has haunted Texas for…
Ex-Biden security staffer arrested in murder of SFSU graduate

Shocking Arrest: Former Biden Security Staffer Linked to SFSU Graduate’s Murder

A former security employee who once worked with President Joe Biden and…
Iran gives flimsy excuse why Mojtaba Khamenei hasn't been seen

Unraveling the Mystery: Why Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei’s Absence Raises Eyebrows

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been the subject…
Chicago crime: Nassie Mason, Erving Harris targeted contractor Jerry Lewis in fatal shooting on Madison near United Center

Tragic Shooting Near United Center: Nassie Mason and Erving Harris Accused in Contractor Jerry Lewis’s Death

In a tragic incident that has left the Chicago community reeling, two…
Dad details nightmare family meal in Fresno as homeless man freaks out nearby

Father Describes Chaotic Family Dinner in Fresno Due to Nearby Disturbance

A family dinner in Fresno took a harrowing turn for a local…
At least 2 students killed, several injured in school bus crash in Tennessee: 'A parent's worst nightmare'

Tragic Tennessee School Bus Crash Claims Lives of Two Students, Leaves Several Injured

Tragedy struck in West Tennessee on Friday when a school bus was…
Pima County deputy accused of kidnapping woman in custody, fired from department investigating Guthrie case

Pima County Deputy Terminated Amid Kidnapping Allegations in Guthrie Investigation

An Arizona sheriff’s deputy has been dismissed from his position following serious…
Kauai helicopter crash update: 3 killed in Airborne Aviation-operated helicopter crash on Kalalau Beach

Tragic Helicopter Crash on Kauai’s Kalalau Beach Claims Three Lives in Airborne Aviation Incident

In a tragic incident on Kauai’s secluded shores, a helicopter crash has…
Euthanasia gang-rape victim set record straight in last interview

Brave Euthanasia Victim Reveals Truth in Final Interview: A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Survival and Justice

Noelia Castillo, a young woman from Spain who faced unimaginable trauma, shared…
LA forced to block 101 Freeway on-ramps with gates ahead of 'No King's' protests

LA Implements 101 Freeway On-Ramp Closures Amid ‘No King’s’ Protest to Ensure Public Safety

In Los Angeles, transit workers have been compelled to set up robust…
TSA workers will start seeing paychecks on Monday — thanks to Trump's order

TSA Employees Receive Pay Boost Following Presidential Directive

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees can expect their paychecks to start arriving…