Republican California Congressman and former House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa will not seek re-election in 2018.
"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," Issa released in a statement Wednesday. "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," he continued.
Serving #CA49 has been the privilege of a lifetime. From the bottom of my heart - thank you - to everyone for your support and the honor of serving you all these years. My full statement on my decision not to seek reelection: https://t.co/zjlkeiqnzs
— Darrell Issa (@DarrellIssa) January 10, 2018
Issa won re-election on 2016 by less than a percentage point. He was first elected to Congress in 2000 and is the wealthiest member on Capitol Hill.
As Oversight Chairman, he went after the Obama administration over the IRS targeting of conservative organizations, probed Operation Fast and Furious, brought contempt charges against Attorney General Eric Holder and much more.