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Rep. Darrell Issa Announces Retirement, Endorses Jim Desmond for Successor
San Diego, CA – After a distinguished career spanning a quarter-century in Congress, Representative Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) officially announced his retirement at the end of his current term. The veteran lawmaker, whose decision has been the subject of much speculation, made the announcement on Friday, also throwing his “enthusiastic endorsement” behind San Diego Supervisor Jim Desmond as his preferred successor.
Issa shared his decision via social media, stating, “This decision has been on my mind for a while and I didn’t make it lightly.” He emphasized that his decision was not driven by concerns about re-election, citing strong campaign infrastructure, overwhelming support-including from President Trump-and favorable polling data. Instead, Issa described his retirement as the “right time for a new chapter and new challenges” after decades in both business and public service.
The announcement comes on the heels of significant changes to California’s congressional map. Governor Gavin Newsom’s ballot measure to redraw state districts, which passed in November, has transformed Issa’s historically Republican-leaning district into a more politically competitive area, potentially favoring Democratic candidates.
While rumors had previously circulated about Issa potentially seeking a congressional seat in Texas, he clarified in December that he would remain in California. He acknowledged that the idea was prompted by “Gavin Newsom’s historically corrupt gerrymander” but ultimately affirmed his commitment to his home state.
The news of Issa’s departure was met with contrasting reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Anna Elsasser, spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, welcomed the retirement, stating, “After over two decades of disastrous representation, Darrell Issa is once again running for the exits – and good riddance.” Elsasser suggested that Issa’s decision was an acknowledgment that he could not win on his record.
Conversely, Christian Martinez, a spokesman for the National Republican Campaign Committee, praised Issa for his “decades of dedicated service.” Martinez expressed optimism that the district would continue to be represented by a Republican who would “stand for common sense and reject the radical agenda and chaos that progressive Marni von Wilpert and socialist Ammar Campa-Najjar would bring.”
Jim Desmond, who filed to run for Issa’s seat on Friday, will now look to secure the Republican nomination and maintain the party’s presence in the district.