Rep. Darrell Issa is stepping away after a long run in Congress and has thrown his weight behind San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond for the newly drawn 48th District. The move lands amid a redrawn map under Prop 50 that tilts the lines, but Issa cites strong backing, including from President Trump, and points to a long record of service and recent accomplishments as reasons he can leave the field to new leadership.
Issa confirmed he will retire at the end of his term and publicly endorsed Jim Desmond for the seat in California’s new 48th District. “Today I’m announcing my enthusiastic endorsement of Supervisor Jim Desmond for Congress — to represent California’s new 48th district,” Issa told Fox News. “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.”
Stepping away after decades in public life was hard, Issa said, but the political math and local support convinced him it was the right time. “First, we built the right campaign infrastructure, support has been overwhelming — including from President 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.”
Issa used his final months to highlight wins he considers meaningful beyond partisan boxes, including a long campaign to secure a Congressional Medal of Honor for a retired Navy captain. “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.”
He also made clear he isn’t disappearing immediately and plans to keep serving through the remainder of 2026, staying engaged on both local and national issues. “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.
Issa didn’t shy away from a critique of Congress and the current state of politics, warning that institutions have been weakened and the influence of outside money has grown. “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.”
The NRCC praised Issa’s long service and framed his endorsement as a chance to defend conservative principles in a tough environment. “We are grateful for Congressman Darrell Issa’s decades of dedicated service to the people of California and our nation,” NRCC Spokesman Christian Martinez told Fox News. “Throughout his career, he has embodied the spirit of public service, championed our military, and fought tirelessly for a stronger America.”
“We are optimistic that this district will continue to be represented by a Republican who will stand for common sense and reject the radical agenda and chaos that progressive Marni von Wilpert and socialist Ammar Campa-Najjar would bring,” the NRCC added, signaling a hard-fought campaign ahead. With the map changed and opponents already named, Republicans will treat the contest as a proving ground for message discipline and grassroots strength.
Desmond now inherits a clear endorsement and a campaign template to mobilize veteran support, business-minded messaging, and a hometown story that Issa emphasized. The coming months will test whether that combination, plus national help, can offset the map changes and keep the 48th in conservative hands while voters decide which direction they want their district to go next.
