Darrell Issa, Longtime Republican Congressman, To Retire

SAN DIEGO, CA — Republican Rep. Darrell Issa will retire rather than run for reelection in the newly drawn 48th district, the congressman announced Friday night after the deadline to enter the race passed.

The retirement is a reversal from his stance just a few months ago when he vowed to fight for his seat after voters approved Proposition 50,a statewide redistricting that changed his district from safely Republican to one favoring Democrats.

"This decision has been on my mind for a while, and I didn’t make it lightly," Issa said in a written statement. "First, we built the right campaign infrastructure, support has been overwhelming — including from President Trump — and our polling was unmistakable: We would win this race.

"But 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."

Democratic foes did not have a fond farewell for the congressman who was first elected to Congress in 2000 and made a name for himself helming investigations into President Barack Obama.

“After over two decades of disastrous representation, Darrell Issa is once again running for the exits – and good riddance. Issa abandoning his voters now is the clearest sign yet that Republicans know he can’t win on his record of skyrocketing prices, gutting health care, and looking out for himself and wealthy special interests above all else,” said Anna Elsasser, spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee told Politico. “Any Republican who tries to parachute into this race with the same extreme agenda will face the same fate.”

In his announcement, Issa endorsed San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond for his seat.

"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," said Issa. "He understands this community, was born and raised here, and will make a terrific Congressman."

Desmond will have a fight on his hands in a district that went for Kamala Harris over President Donald Trump. He'll face Democratic contenders Ammar Campa-Najjar, a Navy Reservist and San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert.

The new district covers parts of San Diego and Riverside counties, including Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Poway, Temecula, and Murrieta.

"They drew me into the district, but the truth is, I've been serving this community for years," Desmond tweeted Friday, while thanking Issa for the endorsement.

Issa, meanwhile, will finish out his term.

"There is still work to be done throughout 2026 both in Washington and my beloved current 48th District - and as many days that remain, I’ll dedicate each one of them to the people I serve and the indispensable nation I have sworn to protect as a soldier in the Army and as a proud and grateful Member of the People’s House of Representatives," Issa said.