Darrell Issa — Republican Candidate for U.S. House in California, 2026

Representative Darrell Issa advocates for stricter immigration policies, emphasizing border security through measures like building a wall and enhancing interior enforcement. He introduced the Sanctuary City Accountability Act and supports increasing penalties for immigration law violations. Issa seeks a balanced approach that also makes the country accessible to those who can fill critical needs, citing the importance of the rule of law. His stance aligns with an 83% session score from Heritage Action.

““We must take a balanced and practical approach to immigration,” said Rep. Issa on the introduction of the three bills. “This includes making our country more accessible to those who can fill critical needs and also stiffening penalties for those who continue to violate our laws. From high-tech entrepreneurs to those who fight in our armed services, these reforms offer new benefits and securities that must go hand in hand with tougher enforcement.” (Rep. Darrell Issa, LegiStorm)”

Representative Darrell Issa has voted 17 times to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and opposed ACA tax credits, citing the need for reforms to drive down costs and address fraud within the program. He also cast a vote on significant Medicaid cuts. He advocates for streamlining the healthcare system with pricing transparency and pursuing legislation to lower prescription drug costs, believing that current regulatory practices hinder innovation.

“Early detection. Accessible cures. Tolerable treatments. Historic savings to a government health system going bankrupt. This isn’t too good to be true. It’s the stated goal of an American innovation that Lina Khan and the Biden administration can’t see past shutting down. Abusing the consumer protection power of the FTC to stop mergers by any means necessary is the textbook definition of regulatory abuse." - Congressman Darrell Issa, issa.house.gov/issues/health”

Darrell Issa supports an "all-of-the-above" energy strategy, prioritizing energy independence and lower costs for consumers. He voted for the "Lower Energy Costs Act" to boost domestic energy production and reduce regulations. He also supported the Unlocking Our Domestic Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Potential Act of 2024, aiming to ensure affordable and reliable energy solutions by reducing reliance on foreign sources.

““Energy and Environment: Energy independence is crucial to the future of our national and economic security. The United States needs to pursue an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy to reduce our reliance on imported energy and lower the cost of gas and electricity for consumers.” — Darrell Issa, on Ballotpedia”

Representative Darrell Issa maintains a pro-life stance, reflected in his voting record against federal funding for abortions and Planned Parenthood. He explicitly stated he will never support government funding for abortions. Issa also supported the overturning of Roe v. Wade and received an A+ rating from the Susan B. Anthony List as of 2020. Planned Parenthood Action Fund gives him a 0% voting record.

“I have a solid Pro-Life voting record throughout my entire career in Congress. I have never supported government funding for abortions and I never will. - Darrell Issa, Ballotpedia”

Darrell Issa advocates for building a border wall to enhance national safety, stating that a secure border is essential for country safety and enables more effective apprehension of criminals. He also strongly supports military action against Iran, defending recent attacks as necessary to combat terrorism. He suggests confronting Iran directly rather than awaiting a specific trigger.

“"The real question is, after nearly half a century, do we need a specific trigger, or do we at any time say enough is enough, we’re going to take the claws and the teeth out of this tiger, and then see if in fact it’s willing to drink milk rather than blood,” Issa said. (Rep. Darrell Issa, Los Angeles Times, March 2, 2026)”

Darrell Issa supports school choice programs, evidenced by his vote to reauthorize the DC opportunity scholarship program for low-income students. He opposes federal education standards and voted against a $40 billion bill for green public schools. Additionally, he advocates for local control over curriculum and promotes initiatives in agriculture education, STEM, and literacy.

“I stand with the parents of Temecula. The School Board is doing right by listening to concerned parents and educators and trying to work together to appropriately curate the studies that will be presented to the youngest of students. - Congressman Darrell Issa (http://issa.house.gov/issues/education)”

Darrell Issa has consistently received an 'A' rating and endorsement from the NRA, affirming his support for the Second Amendment. He voted for the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act and the Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreation Enhancement Act. He also co-introduced the Modern Firearm Safety Act to prevent states from enacting handgun rosters, arguing these restrictions undermine the Second Amendment and limit access to up-to-date safety features.

“For decades, the clear Constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners have been targeted for elimination, and handgun rosters are only one of the cynical schemes used to undermine the Second Amendment through the pretense of firearm safety,” said Rep. Issa. “These rosters impose excessive and unnecessary requirements that actually restrict access to firearms equipped with the most up-to-date safety features, and that’s why I’m proud to partner with my friend Rep. Stefanik to defend sacred rights and end these unjust restrictions.””