Summary
Rep. Kevin Kiley from California is running for reelection to Congress as an independent, not as a Republican. This decision comes after changes in district boundaries, which made his area more favorable to Democrats. Kiley wants to avoid party politics, focusing instead on nonpartisan work.
Key Facts
- Rep. Kevin Kiley is not registering as a Republican for his reelection but as "no party preference," making him effectively an independent.
- His decision follows redistricting that changed his district to favor Democrats more.
- There is confusion among congressional colleagues about whether Kiley remains part of the Republican group in Congress.
- Kiley criticizes gerrymandering and the strong division between political parties.
- He is running in California's 6th District, facing opponents like Richard Pan and Thien Ho.
- Kiley has raised about $2.1 million for his campaign, more than his opponents.
- Running as an independent is becoming more common in areas not aligned with a candidate's previous party.
- Examples of similar tactics include independent runs by Evan McMullin in Utah and Dan Osborn in Nebraska.
