Republican Rep. Darrell Issa of California reportedly announced Friday that he will not seek re-election, bringing an end to a long congressional career that spanned decades in public service and business.
Issa shared the news in a post on X, saying the time had come to step away from the campaign trail and focus on what he described as “new challenges.”
“After a quarter-century in Congress — and before that, a quarter-century in business — it’s the right time for a new chapter and new challenges,” Issa wrote.
His decision comes amid a politically difficult environment for Republicans in California. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom recently pushed through a new congressional map that aims to reshape several districts and potentially eliminate up to five seats currently held by Republicans, according to the Associated Press.
Issa had initially planned to run again even after the redistricting effort reshaped his district. Despite the new map, he said he remained confident he could win another term if he chose to continue his campaign.
Instead, he opted to step aside after a lengthy tenure in Washington.
The announcement arrives at a critical moment for Republicans in the House of Representatives. The GOP currently holds a slim 218–214 majority in the chamber, leaving little margin for error as both parties prepare for upcoming elections.
Issa’s departure adds another variable to an already competitive political landscape.
Before entering politics, Issa built a career as a businessman and inventor. According to his official biography, he holds 37 patents. He was first elected to Congress in 2000 and served nine terms before initially retiring.
His time away from Capitol Hill did not last long.
In 2020, Issa returned to Congress after challenging fellow Republican Rep. Duncan D. Hunter. Hunter had been indicted on charges related to the misuse of campaign funds, opening the door for Issa to mount a successful campaign for the seat. He ultimately went on to serve three additional terms.
During his earlier years in Congress, Issa rose to national prominence as chairman of the House Oversight Committee from 2011 to 2015.
In that role, he led investigations into Operation Fast and Furious, a controversial initiative carried out during the Obama administration. The operation resulted in hundreds of modern semi-automatic rifles falling into the hands of Mexican drug cartels.
The investigation drew national attention when then-Attorney General Eric Holder refused to produce documents that had been subpoenaed by Congress. In response, the House of Representatives voted in 2012 to hold Holder in contempt of Congress.
Issa also remained involved in national security and military oversight issues during his time in Congress. He participated in investigations surrounding the deaths of 13 American service members who were killed in an Aug. 26, 2021 bombing during the evacuation of U.S. forces from Kabul.
In August 2023, Issa hosted a forum where families of the fallen service members criticized the Biden administration over the attack, highlighting the lingering anger and grief surrounding the incident.
As he announced the end of his re-election bid, Issa also threw his support behind a potential successor.
He endorsed San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond to represent California’s newly drawn 48th congressional district.
“I’m announcing my enthusiastic endorsement of Supervisor Jim Desmond for Congress – to represent California’s new 48th district,” Issa said.
Issa described Desmond as a personal friend and praised his background.
“Jim is not only a personal friend, he’s a true patriot, a Navy veteran, a successful businessman, and has a 20-year record of public service,” Issa said. “He understands this community, was born and raised here, and will make a terrific Congressman.”
With Issa stepping aside, one of Congress’s more experienced Republican voices will be leaving the stage — marking the close of a long chapter shaped by oversight battles, political fights, and the often demanding responsibilities of public office.
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