GOP Lawmaker Leaves Republican Party, Will Serve as Independent

Rep. Kevin Kiley of California announces he is dropping his Republican affiliation and will run as an independent in a Democratic-leaning district.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Rep. Kevin Kiley of California announced that he is dropping his Republican Party affiliation and will serve as an independent member of the House of Representatives. Kiley, a two-term congressman, faces a tough reelection battle after the redrawing of the state's congressional boundaries. He will continue to caucus with Republicans to maintain his committee assignments.

Why it matters

Kiley's decision to leave the Republican Party and run as an independent highlights the impact of the ongoing redistricting process in California, which has left some incumbents facing difficult choices about their political futures. His move also reduces the Republican majority in the House, which now stands at 217-214 with one independent member.

The details

Kiley announced on Friday that he would be running in a Democratic-leaning district without listing a party affiliation next to his name. On Monday, he told reporters that he was asking the House clerk to reflect his change to independent in the House's official roster. Kiley will still caucus with Republicans to maintain his committee assignments.

  • Kiley announced his decision to run as an independent on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • Kiley's change to independent will take effect immediately.

The players

Rep. Kevin Kiley

A two-term Republican congressman from California who is dropping his Republican Party affiliation to serve as an independent.

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What they’re saying

“So I will be the sole independent member of the House of Representatives.”

— Rep. Kevin Kiley (Politico)

What’s next

Kiley will continue to caucus with Republicans to maintain his committee assignments, and he will be running in a Democratic-leaning district in the upcoming election.

The takeaway

Kiley's decision to leave the Republican Party and run as an independent highlights the ongoing impact of redistricting in California, which has left some incumbents facing difficult choices about their political futures. His move also reduces the Republican majority in the House, underscoring the fluid nature of party affiliations in the current political landscape.