Rep. Kevin Kiley explains switch from GOP to independent: "Partisanship has absolutely run amok"

CBS News
March 13, 2026
2 views
1 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

California Rep. Kevin Kiley switches from Republican to independent citing excessive partisanship.

AI Summary

California Rep. Kevin Kiley switched his party affiliation from Republican to independent, citing that "partisanship has absolutely run amok" as his reason for the change. Kiley appeared on "The Takeout" to discuss the decision that moves him from the GOP caucus to independent status in Congress.

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Republican Rep. Kiley leaves GOP, tightening Johnson's margins
Politics

Republican Rep. Kiley leaves GOP, tightening Johnson's margins

<p>Rep. <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/07/kevin-kiley-republican-independent-california" target="_blank">Kevin Kiley</a> (Calif.) announced Monday that his decision to leave the Republican Party and register as an Independent will take effect immediately. </p><p><strong>Why it matters: </strong>House Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-La.) two-vote majority just got even smaller.</p><hr><ul><li>Kiley said he will still caucus with Republicans for "administrative purposes" but noted that he's been a less-than-reliable vote for Johnson even as a Republican. </li><li>The California Republican did not give leadership a heads-up before announcing Friday that he was leaving the party, but he said he did speak with Johnson over the weekend about continuing to caucus with the conference.</li></ul><p><strong>The big picture: </strong>Kiley's move comes after <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/05/california-prop-50-passes-election-results-redistricting" target="_blank">mid-...

AxiosMar 9
California rep. leaves GOP to become an independent, complicating majority
Politics

California rep. leaves GOP to become an independent, complicating majority

Rep. Kevin Kiley of California said Monday he was immediately leaving the Republican Party to become an independent.

CBS NewsMar 9
GOP lawmaker says he’s leaving the Republican Party and will serve as an independent - AP News
Politics

GOP lawmaker says he’s leaving the Republican Party and will serve as an independent - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMivAFBVV95cUxQVE1xeG5FTDFFMi1aSDFTVjYwQmV5bGhHdzVEZk02TFg2cThranpDNUdoN1RjOTEyYWNCLXFWbG53WlJsa0dSckVVaERrXzJmbVh1N3lOekVERGw4T3UtdnJQTU1HQ1ZfOGRrcWJDSzRaUUlDZWczeGQ2ckU4YkNEUTdBRzNHQVZITmkxU3VoRmVpd3NHdFI0Qjl3SFVRTzdEUUJFLV9taDZLd0lDUEJONGdLYlh5cmUtLUZhQg?oc=5" target="_blank">GOP lawmaker says he’s leaving the Republican Party and will serve as an independent</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 9
Rep. Kevin Kiley leaves GOP to become an independent, complicating Johnson's majority - CBS News
Politics

Rep. Kevin Kiley leaves GOP to become an independent, complicating Johnson's majority - CBS News

CBS NewsMar 9
Anti-Muslim rhetoric rises among Republicans with little pushback from GOP leadership - AP News
Politics

Anti-Muslim rhetoric rises among Republicans with little pushback from GOP leadership - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiugFBVV95cUxQd21pcFE3V1ktVGZRN0x4U1ZuTHEwYzhGYVhYQ1FXRFEtNmJxY3VJUk0xLW9pdTAtZGY4cGphNkpydHQwREUyaF9aZXlmbWtvYzdCbGhhRGNUSzhCNHJvb05SQm1FTjRlYTFIazFwakJiN1dhdm9RZDl3Zk5fekg3SGZlZXotUUZYN2JHdkFUeGZ1SzNTUWlRamtpaTV1X1paVlRVcVV2TDAxMFdESElhVjd1Ymxnd3I3Ync?oc=5" target="_blank">Anti-Muslim rhetoric rises among Republicans with little pushback from GOP leadership</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 14
Republicans eye second GOP-only megabill, but it faces uphill climb
Politics

Republicans eye second GOP-only megabill, but it faces uphill climb

DORAL, Fla. – House Republicans want to usher through a second massive spending package as the 2026 midterm elections ramp up, a tall order for a fractured GOP conference and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who commands a razor-thin majority. Republicans have been looking to strengthen their economic messaging amid voter concerns over rising grocery prices,…

The HillMar 11
Read Next
Judge blocks Trump administration's subpoenas against Fed Chair Powell
Politics

Judge blocks Trump administration's subpoenas against Fed Chair Powell

A federal judge blocked two grand jury subpoenas against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday. Chief Judge James Boasberg wrote that "the Government has offered no evidence whatsoever that Powell committed any crime other than displeasing the President."

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources