President Donald Trump plans to nominate U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa to be director of the United States Trade and Development Agency, the White House confirmed Wednesday.
Issa has represented the 49th district in North County since 2003 but announced his retirement from Congress last January.
In Congress, Issa served as chair of the House Oversight Committee and prior to that, he spent time as a small business owner, developing advanced technology solutions in manufacturing, development and global trade, the White House said.
Issa has been a strong supporter of President Trump but has differed with him on some issues, including climate change.
Before he announced his retirement, Issa was considered one of the most vulnerable congressmen for the November midterms.
In 2016, Issa beat Democrat Doug Applegate by only 1,621 votes.
Republican Diane Harkey and Democrat Mike Levin will face each other in November for Issa’s seat in the 49th district.
