California Republican Kevin Kiley quits GOP, goes independent ahead of his re-election bid

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Kevin Kiley of California announced on Monday, March 9, that he had left the Republican Party and registered under “no party preference,” becoming the only independent member of the US House of Representatives.

Kiley said the move reflects how he has approached his role in Congress.

“I think that this really reflects the way that I have always approached my role as a representative,” Kiley said. “I’ve always said I’ll be an independent voice for our district.”

Redistricting and partisanship cited

Kiley said his decision was influenced in part by California’s ongoing redistricting battle, which shifted the boundaries of his current district.

The changes effectively drew him out of California’s 3rd Congressional District, forcing him to consider running elsewhere.

He also pointed to broader frustration with partisan politics in Washington.

On Friday, Kiley indicated that he would seek re-election as an independent but planned to remain a Republican for the remainder of his term.

His decision to formally change his party registration came sooner than expected.

House balance largely unchanged

Kiley said he did not consult with leaders from either party before making the announcement.

Despite leaving the GOP, he said that he intends to continue caucusing with Republicans in the House, meaning the functional balance of power in the chamber is unlikely to change.

With his switch, the House now consists of 217 Republicans, 214 Democrats and one independent. Kiley has said he plans to run in the newly drawn 6th Congressional District in the Sacramento region.

The district leans Democratic and supported former Vice President Kamala Harris by about nine percentage points.

The partisan tilt of the district would make it difficult for Kiley to win re-election as a Republican, a factor that might have influenced his decision to run as an independent.