California congressman is leaving the Republican Party to become an independent amid tough reelection race

TL;DR

Rep. Kevin Kiley is leaving the Republican Party to become an independent.
He is now the only independent member of the US House of Representatives.
The move shrinks Speaker Mike Johnson's already narrow GOP majority.
Kiley will continue to caucus with Republicans for administrative purposes and committee assignments.
He stated his decision was made without input from party leadership.
Kiley has previously broken with the party on key issues and voted to rein in presidential tariff authorities.
He has introduced legislation to prohibit mid-decade redistricting nationwide, calling gerrymandering a "terrible thing for democracy."
His party affiliation change follows redistricting in California led by Gov. Gavin Newsom and comes amid a tough reelection bid.

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