GOP Rep. Darrell Issa Announces Second Retirement

The 12-term lawmaker cites "a new chapter and new challenges" in stepping away from his increasingly Democratic-leaning district.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Rep. Darrell Issa, a 72-year-old Republican who is one of the wealthiest members of Congress, announced on Friday that he will not seek re-election, setting up a wide-open race in his Southern California district that has become more Democratic-leaning due to recent redistricting.

Why it matters

Issa's retirement marks the second time he has stepped away from Congress, having previously retired in 2018 before returning in 2020. His decision comes as his district has become more politically competitive, with the addition of more liberal areas under a redistricting measure backed by California's Democratic governor.

The details

Issa, a 12-term lawmaker and Trump ally, cited "a new chapter and new challenges" in his decision to retire. He had briefly considered running in Texas when the new district map emerged, but ultimately decided to stay in California, saying "I can hold this seat." Issa's announcement came after Republican Jim Desmond, a San Diego County supervisor, filed to run for the seat. Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar, who lost to Issa in 2020, is running again and framed the retirement as a sign that Republicans fear defeat.

  • Issa announced his retirement on Friday, March 7, 2026.
  • Issa had previously retired in 2018 before returning to Congress in 2020.

The players

Darrell Issa

A 72-year-old Republican who is a 12-term member of Congress and one of the wealthiest members of the House of Representatives.

Jim Desmond

A Republican San Diego County supervisor who filed to run for Issa's seat.

Ammar Campa-Najjar

A Democrat who lost to Issa in 2020 and is running again for the seat.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who backed the redistricting measure that made Issa's district more Democratic-leaning.

National Republican Congressional Committee

The campaign arm of House Republicans that expressed confidence the seat can remain in GOP hands.

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What they’re saying

“This decision has been on my mind for a while and I didn't make it lightly.”

— Darrell Issa (Politico)

“I can hold this seat. I'm not quitting on California and neither should anyone else.”

— Darrell Issa (Associated Press)

“Issa's retirement is a clear sign that Republicans are afraid of losing this seat.”

— Ammar Campa-Najjar, Democratic Candidate (New York Times)

What’s next

The National Republican Congressional Committee has expressed confidence that the seat can remain in GOP hands, setting up a potentially competitive race to replace the retiring Issa.

The takeaway

Issa's second retirement from Congress highlights the shifting political dynamics in his Southern California district, which has become more Democratic-leaning due to recent redistricting. The open race to replace the longtime Republican lawmaker is likely to be closely watched as both parties vie for control of the seat.