Rep. Darrell Issa. (File photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego)
Longtime California Rep. Darrell Issa is reportedly considering running for Congress in Texas in the aftermath of redistricting efforts by both states.
The possibility was first reported Monday by Raw Story, a progressive news website.
Issa, a Republican, has not publicly confirmed any plans to run for Congress in Texas. His office has not responded to repeated requests for comment.
In August, the Texas Legislature approved a redistricting plan intended to create five more safely Republican seats. Issa is reportedly eyeing a new seat in the Dallas area.
Issa, 72, was elected to nine terms in Congress from north San Diego County before retiring in 2018 as the district became more Democratic. But then he ran again for Congress in 2020 to represent largely rural East County, and is currently serving a second term in the 48th District.
However, California’s temporary redistricting under Proposition 50 will make Issa’s district more Democratic.
After Prop. 50 passed in November, Issa was quoted as saying, “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll continue to represent the people of California — regardless of their party or where they live.”
Since passage two well-known Democrats — former Congressional candidate Ammar Campa-Najjar and San Diego City Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert — have announced they will oppose Issa.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said possibility that Issa would run in Texas shows that he has failed Californians.
“Darrell Issa knows his record of self-dealing, raising costs, and gutting health care is going to cost him his seat, so he’s ready to move over 600 miles to keep doing Mike Johnson and Donald Trump’s bidding, before facing the Californians he’s failed,” said DCCC Spokesperson Anna Elsasser.
“It’s cowardice at its finest. The mere fact that he’s considering this proves Darrell Issa doesn’t care about — or work — for the people, he only wants to stay in power to enrich himself.”
Both Prop. 50 and the Texas redistricting are being challenged in court, so it’s not clear yet how the district lines will ultimately be drawn for the 2026 elections.
READ NEXT