Amid reports that he is considering running for Congress in a neighboring district, GOP Rep. Darrell Issa of California said Wednesday that he's looking at "taking a different role" and "being back in the community."
Issa, who announced two weeks ago that he would not seek re-election in his 49th Congressional District, told KUSI-TV that he decided "it was the right time" to leave his post.
"A lot of the things I'm working on I don't need to be in government to work on," Issa told the station. "Taking a different role, probably some government boards or commissions, but being back in the community, it seemed like it was the right time."
Capitol Hill publication The Hill had previously reported that Issa was mulling a run for the neighboring 50th Congressional District should embattled Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter resign.
Issa added that he felt this year's midterm election is "a better time to introduce a new candidate" than the 2020 presidential election, when Democratic turnout is often higher.
He also used the interview to formally endorse Diane Harkey, the Republican chair of the California State Board of Equalization, and said he had encouraged her to enter the race. Issa had previously expressed his support for Harkey's campaign, who is among at least four Republicans who have entered the race.
