Former Rep. Issa Weighing Return to House

Former Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., is weighing a return to politics.

Issa launched an exploratory committee  Thursday to challenge Duncan Hunter in the state's 50^th District.

"I have formally launched an exploratory committee for the 50th Congressional District in California," he said on his campaign website. "I have received such a tremendous outpouring of encouragement from supporters inside the district, and around the state and across the nation. I'm truly grateful for the many encouraging phone calls, messages, and letters that I have received."

Issa in January 2018 announced he would not run for re-election after nine terms in office. Hunter, who has been beset by scandal in recent months, faces trial in January for alleged campaign finance violations.

Those charges threaten to derail his chances just months before California's primary.

Issa will still face tough Republican competition in the district from former San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio. Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar, a former Labor Department official, is also challenging Hunter.

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