Rep. Kevin Kiley Leaves GOP, Launches Independent Reelection Bid

Congressman cites California redistricting as key factor in decision

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) announced on Monday that he is officially leaving the Republican Party and will run for reelection as an independent. Kiley cited the California redistricting measure spearheaded by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) as a major factor in his decision to seek reelection in a different district. The congressman will continue to caucus with Republicans for the remainder of his term.

Why it matters

Kiley’s decision to leave the GOP and run as an independent highlights the growing partisan divisions and redistricting battles taking place in California. His move could signal a broader trend of politicians seeking to distance themselves from traditional party affiliations in an effort to appeal to a wider range of voters.

The details

Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) announced on Monday that he is officially leaving the Republican Party and will run for reelection as an independent. Kiley, who currently represents California’s 3rd Congressional District, will now run in the state’s 6th Congressional District. The congressman cited the California redistricting measure, Proposition 50, which was spearheaded by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), as a major factor in his decision to seek reelection in a different district. While Kiley will no longer be affiliated with the GOP, he plans to continue caucusing with Republicans for the remainder of his term.

  • On Friday, Kiley announced he would run as an independent instead of remaining a Republican.
  • On Monday, Kiley officially asked the clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives to reflect his change in party affiliation.

The players

Rep. Kevin Kiley

A Republican congressman from California who is leaving the GOP to run for reelection as an independent.

Gov. Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who spearheaded the redistricting measure, Proposition 50, that was a key factor in Kiley’s decision to seek reelection in a different district.

Dennis Lennox

A Republican strategist who commented on Kiley’s decision to run as an independent.

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What they’re saying

“Today, I’m asking the clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives to have that reflected in the official roster.”

— Rep. Kevin Kiley (conservativeangle.com)

“What you’re seeing is the incumbent protection program at work. Kiley is trying to create political space for himself in a difficult environment. The question is whether voters will buy it. Congressional Republicans — or members who caucus with them — from California are going to be an endangered species until the next redistricting cycle.”

— Dennis Lennox, Republican strategist (Washington Examiner)

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 leave the GOP and run as an independent highlights the growing partisan divisions and redistricting battles taking place in California, which could signal a broader trend of politicians seeking to distance themselves from traditional party affiliations in an effort to appeal to a wider range of voters.