Sep 26, 2019 - Politics & Policy

GOP primary heats up as ex-Rep. Darrell Issa challenges Duncan Hunter in California

Rashaan Ayesh

Former Rep. Darrell Issa announced plans on Thursday to come out of retirement to challenge Republican congressman Duncan Hunter in the primary for California's 50th district, reports the AP.

Why it matters: Issa is 1 of 6 primary challengers Hunter will face. Republicans worry Hunter won't be able to keep his seat following a 2018 indictment on charges of misusing campaign funds for personal use.

Issa is expected to brand himself as the safer option than incumbent Hunter, per the New York Times.

The big picture: The primary race is "setting up a clash among two Trump allies for one of Republicans’ most endangered seats," writes the Times.

Issa has strong name recognition after serving 9 terms in Congress.

As the former chair of the House Oversight Committee, Issa led the investigation into the Obama administration following the Benghazi attacks.
President Trump nominated Issa last September to be the director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, per Politico.

Add Axios on Google

GOP primary heats up as ex-Rep. Darrell Issa challenges Duncan Hunter in California

What to read next