The Richest Member Of Congress, Republican Darrell Issa, Announces Retirement

In an ironic twist, just moments after Trump requested a “tough primary” for California Senator Dianne Feinstein for leaking the Fusion GPS interview transcript, he is losing California Republican Rep, and the richest member of Congress, Darrell Issa, who announced moments ago that he is retiring and won’t seek re-election.

Issa, an influential republican in the House, has been in Congress since 2001, and his most high-profile role was as House Oversight Committee chairman during former President Obama’s presidency, a position he used to hold many hearings on what he viewed as govt misdeeds. Issa, considered the richest member of Congress worth up to $768 million, and his wife ran the nation’s largest manufacturer of vehicle anti-theft devices before selling the co. in 2000.

Below is Roll Call’s wealth of congress index, putting Issa’s wealth in context.

His full statement is below.

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.”