Overview
- Kiley said the change takes effect immediately and that he filed to run as “No Party Preference.”
- Axios reported he gave GOP leaders no advance notice before Friday’s announcement, then spoke with Speaker Mike Johnson over the weekend about continuing to sit with the conference.
- He cast the move as a response to gerrymandering after mid‑decade redistricting dismantled his Republican‑leaning district and pushed him into more Democratic territory.
- He would not commit to being a reliable vote for Johnson, noting he has already opposed several rule votes.
- The California 6th District race features Democrats Richard Pan and Thien Ho, while Kiley holds a cash lead with roughly $2.1 million raised as of the end of 2025.