California Rep. Kevin Kiley officially left the Republican Party Monday, registering as an Independent and shrinking the GOP’s razor-thin House majority.
According to Fox News, his office confirmed that he is now the sole Independent in the chamber, though he plans to continue caucusing with Republicans to retain committee assignments.
“This last week, we registered under no party preference in California,” Kiley told reporters. “I’m also today asking the clerk of the House to have that reflected in the official roster … so I will be the sole Independent member of the House.”
Kiley’s move comes as his current seat in the 3rd Congressional District was redrawn to heavily favor Democrats.
Instead of running in the 5th District, which would have included areas he currently represents, Kiley is now targeting the newly configured 6th District, rated “D+5” by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.
“The new 6th district is Democratic-leaning but open-minded. While this will be a more challenging race, I believe we can build a winning coalition for common sense,” he said.
The congressman has long bucked party lines.
He vocally opposed mid-decade redistricting in both California and Texas and sharply criticized House Republican leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson, for keeping the House out of session during last year’s 43-day government shutdown.
“The rules of the House of Representatives essentially force you to be associated in that administrative sense with one caucus or another, which I don’t think is a good thing,” Kiley said, explaining why he will continue to caucus with Republicans despite leaving the party.
Kiley also emphasized that his decision to switch party registration was about principle, not politics.
“Doing what’s easy and what’s right are often not the same. Seeking office in a district that doesn’t include my hometown didn’t feel right,” he said.
House Republicans now face an even narrower margin, though a special election in a deep-red Georgia district this week could expand the GOP’s lead by two votes.
Kiley’s departure highlights the fragility of the current majority and the impact of redistricting battles in shaping the balance of power on Capitol Hill.
