Darrell Issa Retiring from Congress, SD County Supervisor To Seek Seat

Longtime Rep. Darrell Issa endorses San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond to replace him in California's 48th District

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Longtime Republican Congressman Darrell Issa announced he will not seek re-election to California's 48th Congressional District, which includes parts of San Diego and Riverside counties. Issa is endorsing San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, a Republican, to replace him. Several Democratic challengers have also entered the race for the open seat.

Why it matters

Issa's retirement after over 25 years in Congress creates an open seat race in a redrawn district that could be a key battleground in the 2026 midterm elections. The district was recently redrawn and is seen as more competitive, with a mix of Republican and Democratic voters. Issa's endorsement of Desmond is seen as an attempt to keep the seat in Republican hands.

The details

Issa, 72, said he didn't make the decision to retire lightly, but felt it was the right time for a "new chapter and new challenges." He praised Desmond as a "true patriot" and "successful businessman" who will make a "terrific congressman." Desmond, a 69-year-old Republican, has raised over $1.5 million for the campaign and says he has deep roots in the district. Several Democrats, including San Diego City Councilwoman Marni von Wilpert and former Labor Department official Ammar Campa-Najjar, have also entered the race for the open seat.

  • Issa announced his retirement on March 9, 2026.
  • The filing deadline for candidates was extended to 5 p.m. on Wednesday due to the open seat.

The players

Darrell Issa

Longtime Republican Congressman who has represented California's 48th District for over 25 years and is now retiring from Congress.

Jim Desmond

San Diego County Supervisor who is running to replace Issa in Congress with the endorsement of the retiring Congressman.

Marni von Wilpert

San Diego City Councilwoman and Democratic challenger in the race for California's 48th Congressional District.

Ammar Campa-Najjar

Former U.S. Labor Department official and Democratic challenger in the race for California's 48th Congressional District.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Today I'm announcing my enthusiastic endorsement of Supervisor Jim Desmond for Congress to represent California's new 48th District. Jim is not only a personal friend, he's a true patriot, a Navy veteran, a successful businessman, and has a 20-year record of public service. He understands this community, was born and raised here, and will make a terrific congressman.”

— Darrell Issa, Retiring Congressman (Patch.com)

“Congressman Issa set the bar for leadership in this district. I'm honored to have his endorsement and I'm ready to carry that forward. We need to rein in wasteful spending, secure our border, and actually lower costs for families who are still dealing with years of rising prices. People in this district deserve a representative who gets it, and I'm ready to deliver.”

— Jim Desmond, San Diego County Supervisor (Patch.com)

“Adios Issa! Republicans think they can fool voters by swapping one MAGA politician for another. They can't. CA-48 is ready to flip blue. I've beaten Republicans, the gun lobby, and big pharma before and I'm ready to flip this seat and take the fight to Donald Trump.”

— Marni von Wilpert, San Diego City Councilwoman (Patch.com)

“While I'm glad Darrell Issa will no longer represent CA-48, we cannot exchange one MAGA rubber stamp for another this November. As a Navy officer and longtime fighter for this district, I'm ready to complete the mission and flip this seat for Democrats. This isn't the first time a congressman suddenly quit on us, but it can be the last time. First Duncan Hunter, now Darrell Issa. Through it all, there's been one constant. I've never quit on you, and never will. Let's finish what we started and flip this seat together.”

— Ammar Campa-Najjar, Former U.S. Labor Department Official (Patch.com)

What’s next

The filing deadline for candidates in the race for California's 48th Congressional District was extended to 5 p.m. on Wednesday due to Issa's retirement announcement.

The takeaway

Issa's retirement after over 25 years in Congress creates an open seat race in a redrawn district that could be a key battleground in the 2026 midterm elections. Both Republicans and Democrats are vying to win the seat, with the endorsement of the retiring Issa seen as an attempt by the GOP to maintain control of the district.