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Facing Tough Redistricting, Rep. Darrell Issa Weighs Moving to Texas to Save His Seat

09:45 AM, 12/04/2025
Facing Tough Redistricting, Rep. Darrell Issa Weighs Moving to Texas to Save His Seat

Rep. Darrell Issa is reportedly weighing a move from California to Texas after his district was redrawn to include Democratic-leaning Palm Springs following Proposition 50. With the Texas filing deadline approaching, Issa faces a choice: stay and run in California, seek another California district, sit out the election, or file in Texas’ 32nd District. Local Texas Republicans have expressed skepticism about an out-of-state candidacy, while some federal lawmakers say they would be open to discussions. The situation underscores the broader national battle over redistricting ahead of the midterms.

Rep. Darrell Issa is considering an uncommon political move: relocating from California to Texas after his congressional district was reshaped to include the Democratic stronghold of Palm Springs following passage of Proposition 50. A person familiar with Issa's thinking, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that he is weighing the option.

Issa, a long-serving Republican and entrepreneur who built a car-alarm business, has shifted addresses before to pursue a more winnable district. But the latest map change significantly dims his reelection prospects in southern California, prompting him to explore alternatives including staying and running in his current district, seeking another California district, sitting out the midterms, or filing to run in Texas’ 32nd Congressional District northeast of Dallas.

Court battles over new congressional maps are playing out nationwide: the U.S. Supreme Court is weighing whether to uphold a lower-court decision that blocked Republican-drawn districts in Texas, and other challenges continue in multiple states. Despite that uncertainty, the filing deadline in Texas is approaching quickly, creating a time-sensitive decision for Issa.

Not all Republicans welcome the idea. Rep. Richard Hudson, who leads the House GOP’s campaign arm, said he urged Issa to remain in his current district. Local Texas Republicans have also expressed skepticism about a transplant candidacy.

“I’ve encouraged Darrell to run in his current district,” said Rep. Richard Hudson.

Liz Gover, a Dallas County Republican precinct chair who supports local candidate Darrell Day, said voters typically prefer a resident who knows local issues. “People want someone who lives in the district and understands the state,” she said.

Darrell Day, a Republican candidate in the 32nd District, questioned whether a candidate who cannot win in California would succeed in Texas and said he expects a competitive primary.

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said he had not yet reached out personally but would be open to speaking with Issa, noting Texas has seen many newcomers from California in recent years.

This deliberation highlights a broader national tug-of-war: some states, like Texas under Republican control, are drawing maps to favor GOP incumbents, while others, including California, have redrawn lines in ways that strengthen Democrats. Midterm dynamics — where the president's party often faces losses — add to the stakes for both parties as they assess vulnerable seats and potential shifts in House control.

Contributors: Kevin Freking and Mary Clare Jalonick.

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