Rep. Darrell Issa will retire from Congress in 2018, avoiding a difficult campaign fight in a district that has been a primary focus for Democrats.
- Republican Rep. Darrell Issa announced Wednesday that he will retire in 2018.
- Issa's district in southern California was a primary target for Democrats in the coming election cycle.
WASHINGTON — Republican Rep. Darrell Issa will retire from Congress in 2018, avoiding a difficult campaign fight in a district that has been a primary focus for Democrats in the coming election.
"Throughout my service, I worked hard and never lost sight of the people our government is supposed to serve," Issa said in a statement on Wednesday. "Yet with the support of my family, I have decided that I will not seek re-election in California's 49th District."
"While my service to California's 49th District will be coming to an end, I will continue advocating on behalf of the causes that are most important to me, advancing public policy where I believe I can make a true and lasting difference, and continuing the fight to make our incredible nation an even better place to call home," he added.
Best known for his role as chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Issa was one of the primary foes of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, digging into her role in and response to the September 11, 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya.
Issa was one of 23 Republicans who narrowly retained their House seats in districts also won by Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. His departure marks yet another vulnerable Republican to bow out in what could be a tough midterm election cycle. Issa adds to the growing field of Republicans retiring at one of the fastest paces in decades.
But in 2018, the Democrats' efforts to unseat Issa already began snowballing. Billionaire mega-donor Tom Steyer had dedicated $30 million to taking on Republicans in 2018, with Issa's wealthy southern California district as a key race.
Democrats are already preparing to seize the seat
National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Steve Stivers thanked Issa for his service, but noted they are confident of the coming race against a crowded Democratic field.
"In the 49th district, Democrats are locked in what is fast becoming one of the bloodiest primaries in America. While Democrats fight with each other, Republicans will focus on fighting Democrats – and that's how we plan to win," Stivers said in a statement. "We look forward to facing whoever limps out of the Democrats' battle royale: black and blue, and broke."
But the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee suggested otherwise. DCCC spokesman Drew Godinich said in a statement that "California Republicans clearly see the writing on the wall and realize that their party and its priorities are toxic to their re-election chances in 2018."
"Secretary Clinton won this district by a huge margin in 2016, and the cohort of strong Democratic challengers, unprecedented grassroots activism, and historic investment by the DCCC in Southern California means we are in a strong position to elect a Democrat to the 49th District this fall," Godinich added.
Rep. Darrell Issa will retire from Congress in 2018, avoiding a difficult campaign fight in a district that has been a primary focus for Democrats. Read Full Story
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