Longtime Republican Rep. Darrell Issa announced Friday that he will not seek reelection to Congress.
Shifting Political Landscape
Issa’s decision follows the redrawing of his San Diego-area congressional district four months ago to favor Democratic candidates. Shortly before the announcement, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond filed papers to run for the same seat. Issa endorsed Desmond in his statement, citing a desire for “a new chapter and new challenges” after a quarter-century in Congress and a prior quarter-century in business.
Issa has a history of navigating shifting district lines, having previously represented the San Diego area for over 20 years. He returned to Congress in 2021 after a prior retirement, winning a seat in the 50th District, and later moved to the 48th District in 2023.
The competitiveness of the newly configured 48th District increased after voters approved Proposition 50 last fall, a measure designed to potentially give Democrats up to five additional seats in the U.S. House. Desmond had previously announced a run in the 49th District against Democrat Mike Levin.
Several Democratic candidates are vying to flip the 48th District, including Ammar Campa-Najjar, a former opponent of Issa, and San Diego city council member Marni von Wilpert. No Democratic candidate secured the party’s endorsement last month, indicating a divided field.
This announcement is part of a larger trend of California Republicans adjusting to redrawn districts. Republican Rep. Ken Calvert is now running in the 40th District against incumbent Republican Young Kim, after his previous district shifted geographically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Darrell Issa’s decision not to seek reelection?
Issa’s decision came four months after his congressional district was redrawn to favor Democrats and shortly after Jim Desmond filed to run in the same district.
Who has endorsed Jim Desmond?
Darrell Issa endorsed Jim Desmond in a statement announcing his retirement.
What impact did Proposition 50 have on the 48th District?
Proposition 50 made the newly configured 48th District more competitive, attracting a number of Democratic challengers.
As the field takes shape, will the redrawn districts ultimately lead to a shift in representation for California in the U.S. House?
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