Rep. Kevin Kiley to Serve as Independent, Caucus with GOP

Kiley cites frustration with 'hyper-partisanship' in Congress, will run in new blue-leaning 6th District

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, who was elected as a Republican, announced he will serve the remainder of his term as an independent and caucus with the GOP. Kiley cited frustration with partisan gridlock in Congress and said he will run for reelection in the new 6th Congressional District, which leans Democratic, under a 'no party preference' designation.

Why it matters

Kiley's decision to become an independent reflects growing dissatisfaction with the two-party system and hyper-partisanship in Congress. His move could impact the balance of power in the House, and his decision to run in a Democratic-leaning district signals an effort to appeal to a broader range of voters.

The details

Kiley said he has asked the clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives to officially change his party affiliation to 'independent.' However, he will still caucus with Republicans, as the House rules 'essentially force you, as an administrative matter, to caucus with one party or the other.' Kiley cited the 'pointless redistricting war' that led to the gerrymandering of his current 3rd Congressional District as a key factor in his decision.

  • Kiley announced his decision to serve as an independent on March 9, 2026.
  • Kiley will be running for reelection in the new 6th Congressional District in the 2026 midterm elections.

The players

Kevin Kiley

A U.S. Representative who was elected as a Republican but is now serving as an independent and caucusing with the GOP.

Mike Johnson

The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, with whom Kiley discussed his decision to become an independent.

Thien Ho

The Sacramento District Attorney, who is one of the high-profile Democrats running against Kiley in the 6th Congressional District.

Martha Guerrero

The Mayor of West Sacramento, who is also running against Kiley in the 6th Congressional District.

Richard Pan

A former state Senator who is running against Kiley in the 6th Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“The best way to counter gerrymandering and its insidious impacts on democracy is simply to take partisanship out of the equation.”

— Kevin Kiley, U.S. Representative (fox40.com)

“Kiley's decision to become an independent is a very transparent and desperate attempt to stay elected.”

— Lauren Babb Tomlinson, Planned Parenthood Advocate (Social Media)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Kiley's decision to become an independent reflects growing frustration with partisan gridlock in Congress and could signal an effort to appeal to a broader range of voters in his reelection bid. However, his move to caucus with Republicans raises questions about the true nature of his independence and the impact it will have on the balance of power in the House.