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Darrell Issa, the 12-term Republican congressman from San Diego, announced Friday (March 6) that he will not seek reelection, adding another layer of uncertainty to the GOP's fight to hold onto its slim House majority heading into the 2026 midterms.
The decision came just days after the deadline to file as a candidate in California's newly redrawn 48th Congressional District, a seat that shifted from reliably Republican to one that now leans Democratic after voters approved Proposition 50 last fall. The measure was designed to give Democrats up to five additional House seats and counter redistricting efforts in Republican-led states.
In a statement, Issa said the timing felt right despite his confidence heading into the race. "This decision has been on my mind for a while and I didn't make it lightly," he said. "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's retirement marks the second time he has stepped away from Congress rather than face a newly competitive district. He first retired in 2018 when his earlier seat, now held by Democrat Mike Levin, became a toss-up. He returned to Congress in 2021 after winning a safer seat in the 50th District.
As reported by Politico, Issa gave his "enthusiastic endorsement" to San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, who filed for the 48th District seat on Friday (March 6), the same morning Issa announced his retirement. Desmond had previously planned to run in the neighboring 49th District against Levin.
"They drew me into this district, but the truth is, I've been serving this community for years," Desmond said in a statement. "I'll fight every single day to make life more affordable, more safe, and more free."
On the Democratic side, two candidates are leading a crowded field: Ammar Campa-Najjar, a former Department of Labor official and Navy Reservist who lost to Issa in 2020, and Marni von Wilpert, a San Diego city council member.
Issa's announcement came the same day that another vulnerable California Republican, Rep. Kevin Kiley, said he would run as an independent in his own redrawn district. More than 50 House members have opted not to seek another term this election cycle, putting congressional retirements on pace for their highest level in a decade.
California's primary election is approaching, and the 48th District race is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in the state this fall.