Trending Now - California Congressman Leaves GOP, Joins Independent Ranks

WHO:

Rep. Kevin Kiley, I-Calif., member of the U.S. House of Representatives

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., House Speaker

California Governor Gavin Newsom

Rep. Kevin Kiley, I-Calif., member of the U.S. House of Representatives

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., House Speaker

California Governor Gavin Newsom

Rep. Kevin Kiley, I-Calif., member of the U.S. House of Representatives

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., House Speaker

California Governor Gavin Newsom

WHAT:

Kiley stated, "I will be the sole independent member of the House of Representatives," regarding his new status.

Kiley's decision to run in California's newly drawn 6th Congressional District was confirmed, which is rated "D+5" by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.

Kiley mentioned he had a brief discussion with Speaker Mike Johnson over the weekend about his plans to continue caucusing with Republicans.

Kiley stated, "I will remain caucusing with the Republicans … for those administrative purposes, but in terms of the way that I approach my role here. I am an independent," regarding his decision to continue caucusing with Republicans.

Kiley's switch means Republicans now hold 217 seats compared to Democrats' 214, with three vacancies.

Kiley mentioned he had a brief discussion with Speaker Mike Johnson over the weekend about his plans.

Kiley stated, "This last week, we registered under no party preference in California," during a call with local reporters.

Kiley's current seat in California's 3rd Congressional District was redrawn to lean more heavily toward Democrats.

Kiley's new 6th Congressional District is rated "D+5" by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.

Kiley expressed, "It is no secret I've been frustrated, at times disgusted, by the hyper-partisanship in Congress," regarding his decision to leave the GOP.

Kevin Kiley announced he is leaving the Republican Party to become an independent, effective immediately.

Kiley is now the only independent member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Kiley plans to run in California's newly drawn 6th Congressional District as an independent.

Republicans now hold 217 seats compared to Democrats' 214, with three vacancies.

Kiley stated he will continue to caucus with Republicans for the remainder of his term.

WHERE:

California's 3rd Congressional District (current district)

California's newly drawn 6th Congressional District

U.S. House of Representatives

WHEN:

Kiley made the announcement on March 9th, 2026.

Kiley's current term began in January 2025.

Kiley made the announcement on March 9th, 2026.

Kiley's current term began in January 2025.

The government shutdown referenced lasted from October to November 2025.

Kiley's decision to run as an independent was announced on March 5th, 2026.

WHY:

Kiley expressed frustration with partisanship, stating, "political division has become a serious problem for our country."

Kiley expressed frustration with partisanship, stating, "I have been very strongly opposed to this redistricting war – this epidemic of gerrymandering – across the country."

Kiley cited "political division has become a serious problem for our country" as a reason for his switch to independent.

Kiley cited frustration with partisanship and the impact of hyper-partisanship on governance as reasons for his decision.

He expressed concerns about the "epidemic of gerrymandering" affecting democracy.

HOW:

Kiley has introduced legislation to prohibit mid-decade redistricting nationwide.

Kiley mentioned he had a brief discussion with Speaker Mike Johnson over the weekend about his plans to continue caucusing with Republicans.

Kiley registered as "no party preference" in California and requested the House clerk to update the official roster.

Kiley has previously crossed party lines on votes, including those related to the president's tariff authorities.

(UPDATED March 10, 2026 15:13 UTC)

Yesterday, Representative Kevin Kiley from California announced that he will become the sole independent member of the House of Representatives as he confirmed his decision to run in the newly drawn 6th Congressional District. Kiley, who has expressed frustration with political division in the country, mentioned that he had a brief discussion with House Speaker Mike Johnson about continuing to caucus with Republicans, despite his new status. In addition to his announcement, Kiley has introduced legislation aimed at prohibiting mid-decade redistricting nationwide.

(UPDATED March 10, 2026 13:19 UTC)

In a significant political shift, Representative Kevin Kiley of California announced that while he will continue to caucus with Republicans for administrative purposes, he identifies as an independent, citing frustration with partisanship and gerrymandering. This change means Republicans now hold 217 seats in the House, compared to 214 for Democrats, with three vacancies remaining. Kiley has also introduced legislation aimed at prohibiting mid-decade redistricting across the nation.

(UPDATED March 10, 2026 07:15 UTC)

In a significant political shift, California Congressman Kevin Kiley announced last week that he has registered as an independent, citing frustration with the hyper-partisanship in Congress and the serious problem of political division in the country. Kiley's current seat in the 3rd Congressional District has been redrawn to favor Democrats, and his new 6th Congressional District is rated "D+5" by the Cook Political Report. Despite this change, Kiley indicated he plans to continue caucusing with Republicans, having had a brief discussion with Speaker Mike Johnson over the weekend.

(UPDATED March 9, 2026 21:05 UTC)

Today, Kevin Kiley announced he is leaving the Republican Party to become an independent, making him the only independent member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Kiley, who represents California's 3rd Congressional District, plans to run in the newly drawn 6th Congressional District while continuing to caucus with Republicans for the remainder of his term. He cited frustration with partisanship and concerns about gerrymandering as key reasons for his decision, which he made public on March 9, 2026.