Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., will retire at the end of his current term and supports San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond to succeed him, he confirmed to Fox News on Friday.
Issa’s seat is in California’s newly redrawn 48th District, which was redrawn in favor of Democrats under the state’s Prop 50.
“Today I am announcing my enthusiastic endorsement of Supervisor Jim Desmond for Congress – to represent California’s new 48th district,” Issa told Fox News. “Jim is not just a personal friend, he is a true patriot, a Navy veteran, a successful businessman, and has a 20-year record of public service. He understands this community, he was born and raised here, and he will make a terrific Congressman.”
Issa said stepping down after 25 years in Congress — and another 25 in business — was not an easy decision.
“First, we built the right campaign infrastructure, the support was overwhelming – including from President Trump – and our polls were clear: we’re going to win this race,” he said. “But after a century in Congress — and before that, a century in business — the time is right for a new chapter and new challenges.”
Among his latest efforts, Issa showed up to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for retired Navy Captain Royce Williams, crediting President Trump for making the award a success.
“For ten years, my team and I fought an endless battle for Royce, and we were denied more times than I can remember,” he said. “But that all changed this year. President Trump made the Royce Medal a success, and when I saw the First Lady put the Medal of Honor on my hero, it was more than a job done.
Issa said he will remain focused on operations until 2026.
“There is still work to be done in 2026 in Washington and in my beloved 48th District – and with so many days left, I will give each one to the people I serve and the important nation I have sworn to protect as a soldier and as a proud and grateful Member of the House of Representatives,” he said.
In a phone interview with Fox News, Issa also suggested that Congress has “diminished itself,” citing stagnant wages and the growing influence of foreign money in elections.
“Unfortunately, they allowed foreign money to exceed domestic money in the election,” he said. “… And there are more people who live and die by social media than physical things, so, I hope there’s a pendulum there. You know, only some Congressmen can change it.”
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) praised Issa’s performance.
“We are grateful for Congressman Darrell Issa’s decades of service to the people of California and to our country,” NRCC spokesman Christian Martinez told Fox News. “Throughout his career, he has always embodied the spirit of community service, fought for our soldiers, and fought tirelessly for a strong America.”
“We hope that this district will continue to be represented by a Republican who will stand for reason and reject the agenda and chaos that Marni von Wilpert and the socialist Ammar Campa-Najjar will bring.”
