Veteran GOP Lawmaker Calling It Quits After November

Veteran Republican lawmaker Darrell Issa announced that he will not pursue another term in Congress, ending a potential re-election campaign that had been launched in response to controversial redistricting efforts in California.

Issa revealed his decision in a post on X, saying he is stepping away after decades in public service while endorsing a new candidate to represent the district.

The move comes after California’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, pushed for a new congressional map that Republicans argue could eliminate several GOP-held seats in the state.

Issa Endorses Successor

In his announcement, Issa threw his support behind Jim Desmond to run for California’s newly drawn 48th Congressional District.

Issa wrote:

“Today I’m announcing my enthusiastic endorsement of Supervisor Jim Desmond for Congress – to represent California’s new 48th district.

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.

This decision has been on my mind for a while and I didn’t make it 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.

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.”

Issa also reflected on the significance of his decades-long career in both the private sector and public service.

“Serving in Congress has been the honor of my life, and every day my teams in Washington and California have worked to deliver for our constituents — like most recently gaining the Congressional Medal of Honor for the Secret Soldier of the Korean War, the great Royce Williams.”

He continued:

“A point about our campaign on behalf of Captain Williams: 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.

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 concluded by pledging to continue serving his constituents until the end of his current 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.”

GOP Faces Tough Midterm Map

Issa’s retirement announcement comes as Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House of Representatives, currently standing at 218–214, setting up what could be a fiercely contested midterm election cycle.

President Donald J. Trump has floated the idea of holding a Republican convention-style event ahead of the midterms — similar to those held during presidential election years — in an effort to energize voters. The concept has received approval from the Republican National Committee.

A Long Career in Congress and Business

Issa first won election to Congress in 2000, eventually serving nine terms before initially stepping away. A successful businessman with 37 patents to his name, Issa built a reputation as a leading voice on government oversight and accountability.

He returned to Capitol Hill in 2020 after challenging former California Republican congressman Duncan D. Hunter, who had been indicted on charges related to the misuse of campaign funds.

Issa later served three additional terms.

Oversight Battles and Investigations

During his tenure, Issa chaired the powerful House Oversight Committee from 2011 to 2015, where he led investigations into several high-profile controversies.

Among them was the Obama administration’s controversial gun-running probe known as Operation Fast and Furious, which allowed hundreds of firearms to fall into the hands of Mexican drug cartels.

After then–Attorney General Eric Holder refused to turn over subpoenaed documents related to the operation in 2012, the House voted to hold him in contempt of Congress.

Issa was also involved in examining the deaths of 13 U.S. service members killed during the August 26, 2021 bombing at Kabul’s airport amid the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal. In August 2023, he hosted a forum where families of the fallen troops criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the evacuation.

With Issa stepping aside, the race for California’s reshaped congressional district is expected to draw significant attention as Republicans seek to maintain their narrow House majority.