The Fox News Rundown From Washington: "A Plague on Our Democracy"... Why One Congressman Just Went Independent
Mar 22, 2026
Kevin Kiley, a California congressman turned independent, explains his switch and focus on lowering the cost of living. Gerri Willis, Fox Business anchor and housing-market expert, analyzes a Senate bill limiting institutional home buying and current housing and energy cost trends. They discuss redistricting, voter ID proposals, market impacts on first-time buyers, and rising energy pressures.
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Leaving Party Over Partisan Gerrymandering
- Kevin Kiley left the GOP to remove partisan labels and push back against California's new partisan gerrymandering.
- He says Prop 50 sidelines the independent commission for three cycles, returning map drawing to partisan control under Gavin Newsom.
Push Nonpartisan Elections For Local Problem Solving
- Remove partisanship from certain offices to restore problem-solving, Kiley argues.
- He points to mayors, school boards, sheriffs and DAs as examples where nonpartisan roles produce practical cooperation.
Independence As Continuation Not Rebrand
- Kiley frames his independence as continuity of his existing approach rather than a campaign pivot.
- He emphasizes constituent-focused work on traffic, Lake Tahoe protection, local law enforcement and border security over partisan messaging.