Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) announced on Monday that he would leave the Republican Party and become an independent. According to The Hill, Kiley previously announced he would seek re-election as an independent. However, he accelerated the process and will identify as an independent for the remainder of his term in Congress. Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley files to run for reelection as an independent https://t.co/KmOh75uWM8 — Axios (@axios) March 7, 2026 The Hill shared further: Optically, the switch is another setback for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other GOP leaders, who currently have a paper-thin majority and are scrambling to defend it in November’s elections. As a practical matter, however, Kiley’s move might not change the dynamics in the Capitol at all. Kiley said he’ll continue, as an administrative matter, to caucus with the Republicans, since he was elected as a member of the GOP. That affiliation would allow him to keep his positions on committees, with the leadership’s blessing. Kiley also said he won’t change his approach to legislation by joining Democrats to oppose rules that could prevent GOP priorities from hitting the floor. “I will be the sole independent member of the House of Representatives,” Kiley told reporters on Monday, the outlet noted. “We’re going to be submitting the letter to the clerk today,” he added. The makeup of the House is now 217 Republicans, 214 Democrats, and one independent who caucuses with Republicans. Rep. Kevin Kiley switching from R-CA to I-CA will make the House: 217 Republicans214 Democrats1 Independent (Kiley – still caucusing with the GOP) The last 'Independent' in the House was Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, who switched from the GOP in 2019. — Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) March 9, 2026 Axios noted: “Gerrymandering is a plague on democracy … but there’s a way we can fight back and protect our democracy,” Kiley said in a video posted to X. “By removing partisanship from the equation,” he continued. “Today, I’ve just filed for reelection as ‘no party preference.’ This means I will not have a party affiliation on the ballot or as an officeholder.” Kiley noted that most local government positions in California are decided in nonpartisan elections — though state and federal candidates can identify with a party. “It’s no secret that I’ve been frustrated, at times disgusted, with the hyper-partisanship in Congress,” he added. “In the last year it’s led to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, a massive increase in health care costs and, of course, a pointless redistricting war.” Kiley is facing a large field of rivals in both parties to represent California’s 6th District, including Democrats Richard Pan and Thien Ho.