On March 9, 2026, Rep. Kevin Kiley (CA) announced he was immediately leaving the Republican Party to become an independent, the only one in the House, amid frustration with hyper-partisanship and gerrymandering. He requested the House clerk update his affiliation, but will continue caucusing with Republicans for the term, as he was elected that way.
For context, the betrayal narrows Speaker Mike Johnson’s majority to 217-214 Republicans, though Kiley’s reliability in procedural votes is unclear. It stems from California’s redrawn 6th District, which is now Democratic-leaning, and criticisms of Johnson’s handling of a 43-day shutdown and other issues. Kiley plans to run as an independent in November
Beginning his treacherous comments, Rep. Kevin Kiley began, “I’m also today asking the clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives to have that reflected in the official roster,” adding, “That is how I was elected to begin this term.”
“I would characterize it as my frustration with partisanship itself,” Kiley stated, “Political division has become a serious problem for our country. It is no secret I’ve been frustrated, at times disgusted, by the hyper-partisanship in Congress.”
“In the last year, it’s led to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, a massive increase in healthcare costs, and, of course, a pointless redistricting war. The epidemic of gerrymandering has spread from Texas to California to states all across the country. Both parties are complicit,” he claimed.
In another speech, he added, “This reflects the way I’ve always approached my role as an elected representative — to be an independent voice for the communities that I represent, to hold politicians in both Sacramento and Washington accountable, to work with both sides to find common ground, to answer directly to my constituents, and always put our district first.”
Wrapping up, the RINO noted, “We need to reorient our politics toward bringing us together as Americans rather than tearing us apart as partisans,” he said. “That means, for example, finding concrete ways to make life more affordable, rather than each side blaming the other for why it isn’t.”
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However, despite his treachery. The former Republican has continued to attack Gavin Newsom. “Gavin Newsom is suddenly very concerned about gas prices. Yet he said nothing as his policies caused prices in California to soar higher than any state. We’re paying 57 cents more than second-place Hawaii and have resorted to importing gasoline from the Bahamas,” a recent post noted.
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Reacting to an article that revealed that Kevin Kiley had been stripped of all his committee appointments, users blasted the treacherous RINO. “Amazing how many Representatives and Senators prioritize themselves over their duties. Amongst the worst of them resign their seats mid-term or continue to collect the check and perks while doing little. For Mitch, it’s eldercare. For this guy, it’s a check while job-hunting,” an annoyed conservative noted.
“Nice Another loser thinks his Decisions are More Important than – American’s Concerns. He is joining the Farmers Socialist Party of Minnesota,” a Trump-supporter stated. “He’s an island now. No friends. No assignments. No committees. Nothing. All he can do now is vote up or down,” a comment pointed out.
Featured image from embedded video