Darrell Issa
Darrell Edward Issa (/ˈaɪsə/ ICE-ə; born November 1, 1953) is an American businessman and politician serving as the U.S. representative for California's 48th congressional district. He represented the 50th congressional district from 2021 to 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served in the United States House of Representatives from 2001 to 2019, representing two districts primarily covering North County in the San Diego area, first the 48th district for one term and then the 49th district for eight terms. From January 2011 to January 2015, he chaired the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Darrell Issa | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Duncan D. Hunter |
| Constituency | 50th district (2021–2023) 48th district (2023–present) |
| In office January 3, 2001 – January 3, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Ron Packard |
| Succeeded by | Mike Levin |
| Constituency | 48th district (2001–2003) 49th district (2003–2019) |
| Chair of the House Oversight Committee | |
| In office January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Edolphus Towns |
| Succeeded by | Jason Chaffetz |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Darrell Edward Issa November 1, 1953 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses | Marcia Enyart (divorced)Kathy Stanton
(m. 1980; div. 2021) |
| Children | 1 |
| Residence | Vista, California |
| Education | Siena Heights University (BA) |
| Signature | |
| Website | House website |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1970–1972 1976–1980 |
| Rank | Captain |
Issa served as CEO of Directed Electronics, which he co-founded in 1982. It is one of the largest makers of automobile aftermarket security and convenience products in the United States. With a net worth of approximately $460 million, Issa is the wealthiest serving member of Congress as of 2023.
On January 10, 2018, Issa announced that he would not seek reelection to the House. Democrat Mike Levin was elected on November 6, 2018, to become the district's next representative. On September 19, 2018, President Donald Trump nominated Issa to be director of the United States Trade and Development Agency.
On September 26, 2019, Issa announced that he was running for California's 50th congressional district in the 2020 election. He placed second in the March top-two primary, advancing to face Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar in the November general election. Issa defeated Campa-Najjar.