A mainstay in San Diego politics is considering running in Texas next year, according to reporting from Punchbowl News. That report says Rep. Darrell Issa, the last Republican standing in San Diego’s congressional delegation, is mulling over a move to the Lone Star State, after his district was redrawn to give Democrats an edge.
NBC 7 reached out to Issa’s office. On Monday evening, a spokesperson said via text, “We don’t have any news to make tonight – but stay tuned.” In a follow-up text Tuesday, that same spokesperson said, “No news to make today.”
Issa has been largely quiet since California’s Proposition 50 passed but put out a statement in the aftermath of the November special election, saying in part, “I’ll continue to represent the people of California … I’m not quitting on California. And neither should anyone else.”
The chair of the San Diego GOP takes him at his word. The local party has already endorsed Issa in this race.
“I would be disappointed because we really value his leadership, his participation. He’s always been very active here in the party, a very positive force, so we would definitely miss him,” Paula Whitsell said. “I’m very confident that if Congressman Issa is ultimately our candidate for the 48th, which he is committed to, that he will run a very strong race.”
A Republican still has a chance to win in the newly-drawn 48th District. It was crafted as a “leans Democrat” district, not a “safe Democrat” district.
Issa is no stranger to congressional musical chairs. He previously retired from Congress when his former district was at risk of flipping. He got back in the game a few years later.
This potential political gambit only works if the Supreme Court allows Texas to proceed with its mid-decade redistricting effort. A lower court previously threw out the new maps.
Politicos are already speculating about who could run in Issa’s stead, should he step away from the district. Supervisor Jim Desmond, State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones and State Assemblymember Carl DeMaio are among the names being thrown around.
The deadline for Texas primary candidates to file is Monday, so Issa’s decision will be clear sooner rather than later.