Darrell Issa Goes Full-Throttle Donald Trump In 2024

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ? There was never doubt about where Congressman Darrell Issa (R-48) stood on Donald Trump.

If anyone was ever unsure, the lawmaker ? who represents Murrieta and Temecula in Riverside County, across to San Diego County's northern beach cities and eastward to La Mesa, Santee and beyond ? made it crystal clear this week.

"Donald Trump has my full and complete endorsement," Issa tweeted Thursday.

"As our 45th President, Donald Trump made America great again by rebuilding our economy, strengthening our military, securing our border, achieving peace between Israel and Arab nations, and ensuring that we were respected around the world," Issa tweeted. "I know he can do it again as our 47th President!"

Issa's boarding of the 2024 Trump train comes as the former president fends off legal trouble that is unprecedented for a sitting or past U.S. head of state and commander-in-chief.

Historically, Issa has never waivered in his support of 45, but there's likely a mathematical reason the congressman is swinging hard now. Despite California's blue tide, Trump has the loyal support of most of the Golden State's Republican party. In a November Public Policy Institute of California poll, more than half of Republican likely voters said they would vote for Trump in the presidential primary.

That support could significantly help Trump secure the GOP nomination. California offers the largest Republican delegate swath of any state: about 14% of the estimated total 1,234 needed to become the U.S. Republican presidential nominee.

And this year, instead of divvying up delegates by congressional district, California's GOP party changed its rules in July to a winner-take-all system. Winning over the Golden State's GOP base could mean grabbing all 169 delegates at stake in California?s March primary.

In heavily Democratic California, however, PPIC polling shows Trump would lose handily if it comes down to a November rematch against President Joe Biden. Still, ensuring Trump is the Republican nominee is a first step for his backers, and Issa is clearly on the campaign trail.