Darrell Issa Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Darrell Issa is an American businessman and long-serving U.S. representative whose entrepreneurial success and political influence have made him one of the wealthiest lawmakers in Washington.

Darrell Issa’s story threads together innovation, politics, and personal perseverance. With a birthdate of November 1, 1953, he built a nationally recognized business brand before transitioning into a high-profile career in government. His financial success, complicated personal relationships, and enduring influence in public life make his journey both compelling and instructive.

Introduction

Darrell Edward Issa was born on November 1, 1953 in Cleveland, Ohio — a date that marks the beginning of a life spanning entrepreneurship, legislative power, and substantial wealth. Rising from modest roots, Issa co-founded and led a major automotive electronics company before embarking on a multi-decade tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives. His ventures and investments brought him significant financial success: his estimated net worth has been reported at roughly $460 million, placing him among the richest members of Congress. 

In his personal life, Issa has experienced long-lasting relationships, including a decades-long marriage that ended in divorce. His relationships and personal journey have often intersected with his public career, shaping both his private and professional legacy.

Quick Facts

(All figures and personal details have been drawn from official records and verified reporting.) 

Forging Opportunity: A Business Foundation That Propelled Wealth

Issa’s early life in Cleveland, Ohio, placed him in a diverse, working-class community where early exposure to different cultures helped shape his worldview. His Lebanese and Eastern European heritage added further depth to his formative years. 

After military service, Issa seized an entrepreneurial path that would define his early success. He and his then-wife invested in an electronics business and ultimately took control of a struggling auto-security company. Through innovation and strategic leadership, the company — eventually known as Directed Electronics Inc. — became one of the leading manufacturers of vehicle security systems in the U.S. This enterprise, particularly the Viper alarm brand, became the cornerstone of Issa’s wealth. 

Defining moments in Darrell Issa’s journey include:

• Transitioning from military service to business entrepreneurship. 

• Turning a struggling auto-security company into a national brand.

• Using business success as a springboard into political life.

The Core Pillars of Darrell Issa’s Wealth Include:

Issa’s estimated Darrell Issa net worth stems from multiple, interconnected sources:

• Directed Electronics Leadership: Founding and growing one of the most recognized automotive security brands in the U.S. provided his initial fortune.

• Investments & Asset Holdings: Irregular disclosures and live portfolio trackers suggest widespread investments and asset value in the hundreds of millions. 

• Ongoing Financial Interests: Even years after selling controlling interest, Issa’s ongoing holdings in private equity and diversified portfolios contribute to his net worth.

The business world laid the foundation; savvy management and reinvestment sustained and expanded that foundation over time.

Darrell Issa Relationships & Personal Life

Issa’s personal life has unfolded alongside his public career, with relationships that reflect both long-term commitment and eventual change.

He first married his high school sweetheart, Marcia Enyart, though that union ultimately ended in divorce. Later, he married Kathy Stanton, whom he famously met when she accidentally locked her keys in her apartment and he climbed a balcony to help — sparking a lifelong connection. They married in 1980 and had one son together. After more than four decades, Issa filed for divorce from Kathy in 2018; their separation was finalized in 2021. 

Key insights into Darrell Issa’s relationships and personal life:

• Married first to Marcia Enyart (ended in divorce)

• Second marriage to Kathy Stanton began in 1980 and produced one son. 

• Issa and Stanton divorced after a long partnership.

His personal relationships often intertwined with his entrepreneurial and political growth, illustrating how life and ambition can evolve together.

A Lifestyle Reflecting Innovation and Public Service

Beyond professional achievement, Issa’s life reflects diverse interests and pursuits:

• Political Impact: Known for high-profile committee leadership and oversight responsibilities. 

• Civic Identity: Participation in community affairs and veteran recognition.

• Family Legacy: His journey from entrepreneur to public figure is often tied to his family’s support and involvement. 

This blend of personal passion and public duty adds dimension to his story beyond financial success.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Estimates vary depending on reporting models. A 2025 live tracker ranked Issa around $283 million based on asset disclosures, though some broader estimates list up to $460 million. This variation reflects how disclosure ranges and private asset valuations are interpreted. 

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Darrell Issa’s influence stems from a dual identity: a successful tech-industry entrepreneur and a seasoned lawmaker. He’s recognized for legislative oversight work, business insight, and a distinctive approach to public service.

His personal narrative — from a young entrepreneur to a wealthy, influential representative — resonates with many Americans who see in his journey a combination of innovation, resilience, and public engagement.

Conclusion

Darrell Issa’s path is one of vision, industry, and impact. With a birthdate of November 1, 1953, he rose from modest beginnings to build both economic success and national political influence. His net worth, rooted in entrepreneurial achievement and investment acumen, sits among the highest in American politics. His relationships and personal life reveal layers of partnership and personal change over decades of public engagement.

Ultimately, Issa’s story embodies the blend of business prowess and civic commitment — a testament to coordinated effort, adaptability, and sustained ambition.