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Washington Today
By the People, for the People
California GOP Lawmaker Leaves Republican Party, Will Serve as Independent
Rep. Kevin Kiley cites redrawn district boundaries as reason for party switch
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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Rep. Kevin Kiley of California announced on Monday that he is dropping his Republican Party affiliation and will serve as an independent in the House of Representatives. The two-term congressman faces a tough reelection battle following the redrawing of the state's congressional boundaries, and has decided to run in a Democratic-leaning district without listing a party affiliation.
Why it matters
Kiley's move is an example of how the redistricting process that has played out across the country has left some incumbent lawmakers scrambling to salvage their political careers. His decision to become an independent also shifts the balance of power in the House, where Republicans now hold a slim 217-214 majority with one independent member.
The details
Kiley told reporters that he is asking the House clerk to reflect his change to independent in the chamber's official roster, though he will still caucus with Republicans to maintain his committee assignments. The lawmaker had been weighing several options after his district's boundaries were dramatically changed last year, including running against a fellow Republican in a GOP stronghold or taking his chances in a Democratic-leaning district.
- On Friday, Kiley announced he would be running in California's 6th Congressional District without listing a party affiliation.
- On Monday, Kiley told reporters that he is dropping his Republican Party affiliation and will serve as an independent, effective immediately.
The players
Rep. Kevin Kiley
A two-term Republican congressman from California who is leaving the GOP to serve as an independent in the House of Representatives.
Tom McClintock
A Republican congressman from California whom Kiley considered challenging in a GOP stronghold district.
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's decision to become an independent will shift the balance of power in the House, where Republicans now hold a slim 217-214 majority with one independent member. The impact of his party switch on the upcoming 2024 elections remains to be seen.
The takeaway
Kiley's move highlights the political upheaval caused by the redistricting process, as incumbent lawmakers are forced to adapt to new district boundaries that may not align with their party affiliation. His decision to become an independent also underscores the growing polarization in American politics, as some lawmakers seek to distance themselves from the two-party system.
