Independent Rep. Kevin Kiley said systems built around the major parties can make it harder for outsiders to compete, after losing reelection and faulting Republicans on living costs and checks and balances in government.
In an interview with NPR’s Morning Edition published Nov. 11, Kiley said campaign support and political incentives largely favor Republicans and Democrats. He described his own campaign as evidence that an independent candidacy can still find a path despite those obstacles.
Kiley left the Republican Party in March but continued to caucus with its members, becoming the House’s only independent, NPR reported. Richard Pan, a Democrat, won the contest in California’s redrawn 6th Congressional District. Kiley said the changed boundaries made campaigning harder because some voters were unfamiliar with his work in Congress.
NPR reported that Democrats made gains nationwide in the midterms. Kiley said voters wanted relief on the cost of living and “checks and balances” in government, while Republicans had not met expectations on those fronts.
Kiley also argued that Congress should give rank-and-file lawmakers more influence. He said bills with support across party lines should be able to reach House floor votes even when party leaders object. Rather than focus on Republicans regaining power, he said he wanted Congress to function better.
He left open the possibility of returning to politics, telling NPR, “I don't think this is the end of the story.”
