Overview
- The California congressman formally exited the Republican Party, registered as no party preference, and will seek reelection as an independent.
- Kiley says he will keep caucusing with House Republicans to retain committee assignments and because House rules concentrate power in party caucuses.
- California’s new map, adopted last fall in response to GOP-led redistricting elsewhere, makes his Sacramento-area district significantly more favorable to Democrats, and Cook Political Report projects Democrats are favored there.
- In a new interview, Kiley declined to say which party he prefers to control the House next year, emphasizing his focus on winning his own race.
- He argues his move could encourage a small independent contingent in the House and has called for federal action to curb gerrymandering.