GOP Rep. Darrell Issa announces retirement

Republican Rep. Darrell Issa (Calif.) announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election after this term, a development that Politico called "the latest sign of a growing Democratic wave in this year's midterm elections." Issa joined the House as a representative for California in 2001 and is a member of the House Judiciary, Oversight, and Foreign Affairs committees.

Issa joins a group of Republican lawmakers to announce their departure from Capitol Hill, stirring talk of a strong midterms showing for Democrats when the elections take place later this year. Other Republicans to announce their retirement after this term include Sens. Orrin Hatch (Utah), Bob Corker (Tenn.), and Jeff Flake (Ariz.), as well as Reps. Charlie Dent (Pa.), Blake Farenthold (Texas), and Bob Goodlatte (Va.).

"Throughout my service, I worked hard and never lost sight of the people our government is supposed to serve," Issa said in a statement. "Representing you has been the privilege of a lifetime." Read his full statement below. Kimberly Alters

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