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Long-Serving Rep. Darrell Issa Announces Retirement, Endorses Jim Desmond as Successor
San Diego, CA – After a quarter-century representing California in Congress, Representative Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) confirmed Friday that he will not seek re-election at the end of his current term. Issa has thrown his full support behind San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond to succeed him in the newly redrawn 48th District.
The 48th District, reshaped under California’s Proposition 50, is now considered to lean in favor of Democratic candidates.
“Today I’m announcing my enthusiastic endorsement of Supervisor Jim Desmond for Congress – to represent California’s new 48th district,” Issa stated. “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. He understands this community, was born and raised here, and will make a terrific Congressman.”
Issa, who has served 25 years in Congress following another 25 years in business, acknowledged that the decision to step down was not made lightly. “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,” he remarked. “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.”
Among his proudest recent achievements, Issa highlighted his decade-long effort to secure the Congressional Medal of Honor for retired Navy Captain Royce Williams, crediting President Trump for making the award possible. “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,” he shared.
Issa affirmed his commitment to serving out the remainder of his term through 2026, stating, “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.”
Reflecting on his time in Congress, Issa also expressed concerns about the institution’s evolution, particularly regarding stagnant pay for members and the increasing influence of external funding in elections. “They have really, unfortunately, allowed outside money to exceed inside money in elections,” he noted.
“… 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 extensive career. “We are grateful for Congressman Darrell Issa’s decades of dedicated service to the people of California and our nation,” said NRCC Spokesman Christian Martinez.
“Throughout his career, he has embodied the spirit of public service, championed our military, and fought tirelessly for a stronger America.” Martinez added that the NRCC is “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.”