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California Democrats Redraw Kiley's District, Prompting His Independent Run
The redrawn map splits his base six ways and leaves the two-term congressman running as an independent in a slightly Democratic-leaning district.
Rep. Kevin Kiley, I-Calif., launched an independent campaign for the California 6th District seat on August 5, 2026, after California Democrats redrew the congressional map, carving his home into a new district.
California Democrats formed five new Democratic-leaning seats to retaliate against GOP-led redistricting in Texas, where Republicans followed President Donald Trump's directive to create conservative seats.
Lincoln resident Anne Smull feels her community was divided unfairly, while opponent Richard Pan argues Kiley's switch is cynical. Kiley counters his independent status is "no political gambit."
Kiley continues caucusing with House Republicans to retain committee seats. Supporter John Coburn, 68, notes that 40% of California identifies as Republican yet "we have zero voice."
The Supreme Court's spring decision neutralizing a key Voting Rights Act provision cleared the way for competitive map-drawing. Democrats in Maryland, Illinois, and New York now pledge retaliatory redistricting for 2028.