Trying to be as objective as I can be, I think there is a real case for change in Southern California.

If I’m an undecided voter who’s leaning against Darrell Issa but still open to hearing both sides, here’s what I’d take away from the case for and against him:

The bottom-line question HAS to be: Is Darell Issa helping me or my family?  

1. Longevity and Experience vs. Stagnation and Self-Interest – Issa has been in office for a long time, and his supporters argue that his experience gives him the know-how to navigate D.C. and get things done. But does he really use that experience to help people like me, or is he more interested in helping the wealthy and corporations? The case against him makes it clear that he’s been more focused on deregulation, tax cuts for the rich, and blocking progress rather than solving everyday issues.

1. Fiscally Conservative, But at What Cost? – I get that some people like the concept of a  “small government, low taxes” approach. But if that means gutting healthcare protections, making housing more expensive, and letting corporations like Walmart and McDonald’s off the hook while their employees rely on government assistance, then what’s the real benefit for regular people?

2. Claims of Fighting Corruption, Yet Thriving in It – Issa has built a brand as a watchdog for government waste and corruption. That sounds good. But when I look at his actual record, it seems like he’s more interested in shielding the ultra-wealthy and corporations from accountability rather than protecting everyday Americans. His support for Citizens United and reliance on major corporate donors makes it hard to believe he’s really fighting for me.  Furthermore, his support of Trump and Musk’s gutting of critical systems and departments won’t save money in the long run.  The work to rebuild will be long, expensive, and will likely help the same cronies Issa has always sided with.  

3. What Has He Actually Done for My Community? – Supporters say he brings federal money back to the district and fights for businesses. But does that money actually help the average person, or does it mostly benefit big companies? The case against him points out that he’s done little to lower healthcare costs, improve wages, or tackle the housing crisis—issues that affect me way more than corporate tax breaks.  Given that roughly half of San Diego County’s population can consider themselves homeowners, AND nearly a quarter of homes for sale are purchased by investors, it’s painfully clear that Issa is helping the wealthy thrive while everyone else gets left behind.

4. The “Lesser Evil” Argument – Some people vote for Issa just because they don’t like the alternative. Maybe they’re worried about higher taxes, or they think a Democrat would be too far left. But if Issa’s policies are actively making life harder for working and middle-class people, maybe it’s worth considering someone else—someone who will actually fight for the issues that matter to me.

Bottom line: I’m running to help steer our country towards an outcome that is fair, just, and gives everyone a legitimate chance to succeed.  My sole purpose in running is to try to bring some sanity back to government, and respect back to the constituents California’s 48th congressional district.