House Republican causes stir as he abruptly abandons GOP: 'He's hoping to fool you'

Reactions rolled in Monday after Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-CA) announced that he would leave the Republican Party immediately and switch his party affiliation to independent this week, according to reports.

Kiley's move aims to secure his "longshot bid" for reelection in a Democratic-leaning district following redistricting in the Golden State last year that redrew the district lines in favor of Democratic candidates, Politico reported. He said he would continue to caucus with House Republicans, while also complaining about partisan politics.

“I will be the sole independent member of the House of Representatives,” Kiley told reporters Monday during a virtual press conference. “We’re going to be submitting the letter to the clerk today.”

Kiley's decision affects the tight margin held by Republicans in the House. He will be the sole independent in the House and join two other independent congressional leaders in the Senate — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Sen. Angus King (I-ME).

People voiced their thoughts and mocked Kiley's decision online:

"It's all for show. @KevinKileyCA is still backing Mike Johnson as Speaker, caucusing with the GOP, conceding their unpopular agenda and still going along with all their policies and insanity. He's operating as a MAGA Republican, and hoping to fool you all. Don't be," anti-Trump organization The Lincoln Project wrote on X.

"When 2026 got underway, there were 220 House Republicans. Then MTG resigned. Then Doug LaMalfa died unexpectedly. Now Kevin Kiley has left the GOP to become an independent, creating a 217-214-1 chamber," Steve Benen, Rachel Maddow Show producer, wrote on Bluesky.

"Kevin Kiley who is serving as the U.S. representative for California's 3rd congressional district has left the Republican party to become an Independent. Great, now we can all go back to not knowing who he is," internet personality and Substack writer Frank Frankly wrote on Bluesky.

"NEWS: Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley did the old party switcheroo, and just like that, Mike Johnson has one fewer reliable vote," Christopher Wiggins, politics and news editor for The Advocate, wrote on Bluesky.

"NEW: Rep. Kevin Kiley just announced that his decision to leave the Republican Party and register as an Independent will take effect immediately — further Mike Johnson's margins in the House," Kyle Griffin, MS NOW executive producer, wrote on Bluesky.