Representative Darrell Issa, a Republican from California, has announced he will retire at the conclusion of his current term. He has thrown his support behind San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond as his successor, he shared with Fox News on Friday.
Issa’s congressional seat falls within California’s newly reconfigured 48th District, which, due to the state’s Prop 50, now leans more favorably towards Democrats.
“Today, I am thrilled to endorse Supervisor Jim Desmond for Congress to represent California’s new 48th district,” Issa revealed to Fox News. “Jim is not just a friend; he’s a dedicated patriot, a Navy veteran, an accomplished businessman, and boasts two decades of public service. He deeply understands this community, having been born and raised here, and he will excel as a Congressman.”
Issa reflected on his decision to retire after 25 years in Congress and an equal duration in the business world, noting the difficulty of the choice.
“We had developed a strong campaign infrastructure, with overwhelming support, including backing from President Trump, and our polling was clear: victory was assured,” he commented. “However, after a quarter-century in Congress and another in business, it feels like the right moment to embark on a new chapter and embrace fresh challenges.”
Among his recent accomplishments, Issa highlighted his role in obtaining the Congressional Medal of Honor for retired Navy Captain Royce Williams, acknowledging President Trump’s contribution to this achievement.
“For a decade, my team and I waged a nonstop fight for Royce, and we were turned down on his behalf more times than I can remember,” he said. “But that all changed this year. President Trump made Royce’s award possible, and when I witnessed the First Lady place the Medal of Honor on my hero, it was more than just a job done. It felt like a career accomplishment.”
Issa said he will remain focused on serving through 2026.
“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,” he said.
In a phone interview with Fox News, Issa also argued Congress has “diminished itself,” citing stagnant pay and the growing influence of outside money in elections.
“They have really, unfortunately, allowed outside money to exceed inside money in elections,” he said. “… And more people live and die with social media rather than substance, so, I’m hoping that there’s a pendulum there. You know, some of only Congress can change.”
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) praised Issa’s tenure.
“We are grateful for Congressman Darrell Issa’s decades of dedicated service to the people of California and our nation,” NRCC Spokesman Christian Martinez told Fox News. “Throughout his career, he has embodied the spirit of public service, championed our military, and fought tirelessly for a stronger America.”
“We are optimistic that this district will continue to be represented by a Republican who will stand for common sense and reject the radical agenda and chaos that progressive Marni von Wilpert and socialist Ammar Campa-Najjar would bring.”
