Rep Kevin Kiley Files for Reelection as ‘No Party Preference’ in Bid to Combat Gerrymandering

California Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley announced Friday that he is seeking reelection in the newly redrawn Sixth Congressional District as a “No Party Preference” candidate, a move he frames as a direct response to partisan gerrymandering spearheaded by Governor Gavin Newsom. 

In a video posted to X, Kiley stated, “Gerrymandering is a plague on democracy, one that Gavin Newsom has brought back to California. But there’s a way we can fight back and protect our democracy from his partisan games: by removing partisanship from the equation.”

Gerrymandering is a plague on democracy, one that Gavin Newsom has brought back to California. But there’s a way we can fight back and protect our democracy from his partisan games: by removing partisanship from the equation. Today, I filed for reelection as “No Party… pic.twitter.com/OhGDzKtPEp

— Kevin Kiley (@KevinKileyCA) March 7, 2026

The announcement comes amid the fallout from Proposition 50, a voter-approved measure in November 2025 that redrew California’s congressional districts, favoring Democrats in several seats, including those held by Republicans like Kiley. 

Kiley, who previously represented the Third District, highlighted his frustration with hyper-partisanship in Congress, citing issues like the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, rising healthcare costs, and the ongoing reports of fraud, waste and abuse in California government. He emphasized that running without party affiliation aligns with nonpartisan local offices in California, such as mayors and sheriffs, and positions him as an “independent voice” accountable to constituents rather than party leaders.

Kiley acknowledged the race will be “more challenging” but expressed confidence in building a “winning coalition for common sense.”

The Sixth District, encompassing parts of the Sacramento area, leans blue, prompting some analysts to view his shift to independent status as a strategic pivot to appeal to moderate voters. This decision resolves months of speculation about his political future, with reports indicating he considered multiple districts amid the redistricting upheaval. 

The move underscores broader tensions in California politics following Prop 50, which targeted five Republican-held seats, including Kiley’s former district. As the 2026 midterms approach, Kiley’s independent bid could test voter appetite for nonpartisan representation in a deeply divided state under one-party control in the legislature and executive branch. 

This sets up a high-stakes primary clash with Democratic candidates like Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho, former state Sen. Richard Pan (a name is synonymous with coercive public health policy and state overreach), and others vying for the seat.