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

CBS News
March 9, 2026
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2 min read

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The Bottom Line

Representative Kevin Kiley left the Republican Party to become an independent, narrowing the House GOP majority.

How This Affects You

This shift makes passing partisan legislation more difficult, potentially requiring more bipartisan compromises on laws affecting you.

AI Summary

Representative Kevin Kiley (R-CA) has announced his departure from the Republican Party to register as an independent, according to CBS News. This decision immediately narrows Speaker Mike Johnson's already slim Republican majority in the House of Representatives. Kiley's shift means the GOP now holds 217 seats, while Democrats control 213, with five vacancies. The move creates increased legislative challenges for the Republican leadership, potentially impacting the passage of partisan bills and requiring greater bipartisan cooperation for future legislation. This development further complicates the political landscape as the House prepares for upcoming budget negotiations.

What's Being Done

Representative Kevin Kiley has departed the Republican Party to register as an independent.

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