Rep. Kevin Kiley to run in California's redrawn 6th Congressional District

The Republican congressman currently represents the 3rd district, which was redrawn to lean Democratic.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Congressman Kevin Kiley has announced his plan to run in California's newly redrawn 6th congressional district. Kiley currently represents the 3rd district, but with the recent redistricting, that district has been redrawn to lean more Democratic. The new 6th district, which includes Rocklin, Roseville, Citrus Heights, and parts of Sacramento, is now an open seat as the current representative, Democrat Ami Bera, will be running in the redrawn 3rd district.

Why it matters

Kiley's decision to run in the 6th district rather than the redrawn 5th, which was considered a safer Republican seat, signals his willingness to take on a more competitive race. The 6th district is seen as a battleground, with several other candidates from both parties already declaring their candidacy.

The details

Kiley stated that while he was prepared to run in the redrawn 5th district, where polls showed a favorable outlook, he felt it was more important to do 'what's right' rather than 'what's easy.' The new 6th district includes Rocklin, Roseville, Citrus Heights, much of North and East Sacramento, and the city of West Sacramento. Democratic Rep. Ami Bera, the current representative, will be running for the new 3rd district in 2026.

  • Kiley was first elected to the House in 2022 and was reelected in 2024.
  • The redistricting of California's congressional districts took place as part of Prop. 50 ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The players

Rep. Kevin Kiley

A Republican congressman who currently represents California's 3rd district, but is now running in the newly redrawn 6th district.

Rep. Ami Bera

The Democratic representative of the current 6th district, who will be running for the redrawn 3rd district in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“It's true that I was fully prepared to run in the new 5th, having tested the waters and with polls showing a favorable outlook in a "safe" district. But doing what's easy and what's right are often not the same.”

— Rep. Kevin Kiley (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Kiley's decision to run in the 6th district sets up a potentially competitive race, as several other candidates from both parties have already declared their candidacy for the seat.

The takeaway

Kiley's decision to forgo a safer Republican district and instead run in the more competitive 6th district demonstrates his willingness to take on a challenging race, potentially signaling a shift in the political landscape of the region.