Darrell Edward Issa was born on 1 November 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio USA, of Czech, German, and Lebanese descent. Darrell is a politician, best known to be a Republican US Representative for California’s 49th congressional district. He’s served in the position since 2001, during which he has been the previous Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. All of his efforts have helped put his net worth to where it is today.
How rich is Darrell Issa? As of late-2016, sources estimate a net worth that is at $460 million, mostly earned through a successful career in business. He was the previous CEO of Directed Electronics which he co-founded in 1982. He has been named the wealthiest currently serving member of Congress, and both careers have ensured the position of his wealth.
Darrell Issa Net Worth $460 million
In 1970, Issa dropped out of high school to become a part of the Army. He became an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician and was trained to defuse bombs. He also later became the security officer for President Richard Nixon during the 1971 World Series. Afterwards, he was transferred to a supply depot and was eventually discharged in 1972 after his father suffered a heart attack. He received a General Education Certificate and later attended Siena Heights University, before switching to attend Kent State University at Stark, becoming part of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). He served as an Army Reserve from 1976 to 1980, being promoted to the rank of captain before electing discharge.
After his military career, Darrell decided to sell his vehicles and move back to Cleveland, borrowing money so he could invest in the electronics manufacturer Quantum Enterprises. Eventually he found a way to acquire Steal Stopper which was a car alarm manufacturer, earning money through it, with the company starting supply Ford and later Toyota. After gaining huge amounts of money, he decided to sell the company, and then started Directed Electronics, Inc. (DEI). He then developed new car security technology with DEI which led to the company growing to $14 million sales by 1989.
Even with the success of his business, Darrell remained politically active and was constantly involved as a contributor to Republican candidates. He was a chairman during the campaign to pass the California Proposition 209 in 1996 which prohibited public institutions from considering ethnicity, race, or sex in employment. In 1998, he tried his hand at campaigning for the United States Senate against Barbara Boxer. He funded his own campaign however he lost during the primary election. In 2000, he then ran for a seat in California’s 49th congressional district and was successful, since when he has won the seat in numerous re-elections and still holds the position today.
During his tenure he has supported embryonic stem cell research, the PATRIOT Act, Americans for Tax Reform, and the Fair Copyright in Research Works Act. He also supported the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014, and the Smart Savings Act.
For his personal life, it is known that Darrell is married to Kathy Stanton and they have a son. Kathy is his second wife but there are no public details about his first marriage.
