[1] Born in Sacramento, California in 1895, Desmond served in the United States Army during World War I.

[2] In 1932 Desmond ran for the 9th District seat in the California State Assembly, but lost to Republican incumbent Percy G. West.

In 1934, upon West's retirement, Desmond ran for the seat again and defeated the Republican nominee, former Sacramento mayor Claude H.S.

Desmond is chiefly remembered for his efforts in relation to the establishment of California State University, Sacramento, in 1947.

Eleven of his own children and grandchildren graduated from the university, which, in recognition of his contribution, named one of its residence halls after him.