Republican Rep. Darrell Issa of California announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, ending a congressional career that has lasted more than two decades.
Issa made the announcement just before the candidate filing deadline, reversing earlier plans to run again.
The longtime lawmaker said it was “the right time for a new chapter and new challenges.”
He also endorsed San Diego County Supervisor James Desmond as his preferred successor.
Issa’s district was reshaped during California’s latest redistricting process, shifting it from a reliably Republican seat to one with a slight Democratic edge in a neutral election year.
Without an incumbent in the race, the seat is expected to become significantly more competitive in the 2026 midterms.
The outcome could also affect Speaker Mike Johnson’s already narrow House majority.
Issa was first elected to Congress in 2000, representing parts of San Diego County.
He served as chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee during the Obama administration, leading several high-profile investigations, including probes into the Justice Department’s “Fast and Furious” operation and the IRS targeting controversy involving conservative organizations.
After leaving Congress following the 2018 election, Issa returned in 2020 after winning a different Southern California district.
His retirement now opens a seat Democrats were already targeting, adding another battleground to the party’s 2026 House map.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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Darryl Issa, bailing, when needed the most. How’s that for America First commitment? NOT!