Republican Rep. Darrell Issa Announces Retirement

I didn’t see this one coming.

California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa has announced his retirement. He released a lengthy statement, which is as follows:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This morning, Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Vista) released the following statement:

“Two decades ago, when I stepped away from the business I’d built to enter public service, I never could have imagined that a long-shot bid for U.S. Senate would lead to 18 years in the House of Representatives and endless opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

From the first successful recall of a sitting Governor in California history, to establishing new and stronger standards for government accountability, to protecting the Internet from harmful regulation, and enacting the nation’s first open data standards, we attempted and achieved much in the service of our nation.

Together, we put an end to abusive Congressional earmarks, strengthened the Violence Against Women Act, empowered better oversight of the executive branch, and cleared the course for better intellectual property protections to stop the piracy of American ingenuity.

Throughout my service, I worked hard and never lost sight of the people our government is supposed to serve. Yet with the support of my family, I have decided that I will not seek re-election in California’s 49th District.

I am forever grateful to the people of San Diego, Orange and Riverside counties for their support and affording me the honor of serving them all these years. Most humbling for me and for anyone who represents this area — has been the special privilege of representing the Marines and Sailors of Camp Pendleton and their families. On countless occasions, and in every corner of the world I met them, I was inspired by their bravery and humbled by their sacrifice to keep us all safe from harm.

Representing you has been the privilege of a lifetime.

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 didn’t really give a specific reason for his departure, but I’m sure it has something to do with the fact that he’s totally loaded and doesn’t have to work anymore. I’d retire too.

One thing’s for sure– that’s going to be a hot district to watch.

California Rep. Darrell Issa, the Republican who investigated some of the biggest scandals of the Obama presidency, is retiring from Congress https://t.co/AjN4YvKJEE

— Alex Pappas (@AlexPappas) January 10, 2018

Rep. Darrell Issa to retire; was considered vulnerable Republican in Congress https://t.co/Qsv1Imlj5U

— William Mungall (@WilliamMungall) January 10, 2018

And Issa is out. Starting to wonder how many CA Congress folks will be Republican in 2019.https://t.co/O8ieYCEQDR

— Steven Savage (@StevenSavage) January 10, 2018

If you’re anything like me and feeling like everyone’s leaving, you’re not wrong. As Axios points out, “Issa marks the 20th Republican to announce his departure since Donald Trump became president.”

DANG. I’m not saying this is a bad thing. A lot of these people have been serving WAY too long.