California Rep.Darrell Issa to retire, endorses Jim Desmond to succeed him

Representative Darrell Issa, a Republican from California, speaks during a House Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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, support has been overwhelming — including fromPresident Trump— and our polling was unmistakable: We would win this race,” he said.“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.”

Among his recent efforts, Issa pointed to securing the Congressional Medal of Honor for retiredNavy Capt.Royce Williams, crediting President Trump with making the award possible.

“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,” he said.“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.”

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Representative Darrell Issa, a Republican from California, speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, U.S., on Sunday, Feb.27, 2022.(Tristan Wheelock/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Issa said he will remain focused on serving through 2026.

“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,” he said.

�diminished itself,” citing stagnant pay and the growing influence of outside money in elections.

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“They have really, unfortunately, allowed outside money to exceed inside money in elections,” he said.“… And more people live and die with social media rather than substance, so, I’m hoping that there’s a pendulum there.You know, some of only Congress can change.”

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U.S.Rep.Darrell Issa (R-CA) speaks to the media during a news conference May 28, 2010, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.(Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) praised Issa’s tenure.

“We are grateful for Congressman Darrell Issa’s decades of dedicated service to the people of California and our nation,�“Throughout his career, he has embodied the spirit of public service, championed our military, and fought tirelessly for a stronger America.”

a Republicanwho will stand for common sense and reject the radical agenda and chaos that progressive Marni von Wilpert and socialist Ammar Campa-Najjar would bring.” 

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Sophia was previously a business reporter covering finance, energy and tourism and has experience as a TV news producer.She graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.Story tips can be sent to sophia.com.