He’s made a decision…
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) has opted to remain in the Golden State to run in the newly gerrymandered 48th Congressional District despite chatter he’s eyeing a run the Lone Star State.
A source familiar with the matter told Fox News that Issa’s friends and congressional colleagues asked him to consider running in Texas after Prop. 50 passed in California, but the Republican has decided to fight it out in California and hopes to have President Donald Trump’s full support. (RELATED: Report: California Dems Plot Redistricting Move To Pick Up House Seats)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Issa confirmed his decision to run in California despite his district being significantly reshaped towards Democrats.
“I’m thrilled to set the record straight and here’s the truth: Texas House members and residents of that state did ask if I would consider running there following Gavin Newsom’s historically corrupt gerrymander,” Issa said. “I appreciate the opportunity, but California is my home. I told them I’m going to stay in Congress, and I don’t need to go to Texas for that.”
“I believe the people of Southern California in San Diego County and Riverside County who elected me so many times will, regardless of registration, consider my record in full and allow me to continue serving them,” he added. “I can hold this seat, I’m not quitting on California, and neither should anyone else.”
Issa currently represents California’s 48th Congressional District; however, the district’s lines will temporarily shift in several future contests because voters passed Proposition 50 last month.
During a radio interview on Wednesday’s episode of “The Mark Davis Show,” Issa indicated that he had considered the possibility of running in Texas’s 32nd Congressional District.
The lawmaker noted that he was scheduled to meet with Trump on Wednesday.
Issa said during the interview that he needs to go where he can be most useful.
The Texas legislature and Republican Gov. Greg Abbott greenlit redistricting plans in the Lone Star State, but those plans were blocked by a federal judge in November. (RELATED: Federal Judge Blocks New Texas Congressional Maps)
In a 2-1 vote, the panel ordered Texas Republicans to use the congressional lines they had in place before they redistricted earlier this year. The proposed new map would have offered Republicans up to five pickup opportunities in the House in 2026.
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Issa is a good man.