Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-Calif.), who switched from Republican to independent earlier this year, is set to face off against Democratic challenger Richard Pan in November for California's 6th Congressional District, according to projections from Decision Desk HQ.
With just under 25 percent of the vote shortly before 8 p.m. EDT, Kiley led Pan, a doctor and small business owner, who secured about 23.2 percent. The two will now compete in the general election for the newly redrawn district.
Kiley, currently representing California's 3rd Congressional District, announced in March he would formally leave the Republican Party, citing disgust with the gerrymandering battles across the country. He had previously declared his reelection bid as an independent. His shift makes him the sole independent in the House.
The race comes amid California's controversial redistricting process, which has drawn new congressional lines expected to net Democrats up to five additional seats. Kiley is fighting to retain his seat in a state where the political landscape is shifting. The state's slow vote count has already raised concerns about future election chaos, a topic that remains a flashpoint in local politics.
“This will be a choice between the extreme partisan policies that have made California the most unaffordable state in the country, and the independent leadership that allows our local communities to thrive in spite of the state’s failures,” Kiley said in a post on X on Saturday.
Pan, a physician and former state senator, is positioning himself as a pragmatic Democrat focused on healthcare and economic issues. The contest is expected to draw national attention as a bellwether for independent candidacies and the impact of redistricting on competitive races.
The general election battle will also unfold against a backdrop of broader political dynamics, including the ongoing Iran conflict and debates over U.S. foreign policy, though local issues like affordability and education are likely to dominate the district.
Kiley's independent stance may appeal to voters disillusioned with both major parties, but he faces an uphill climb in a district that leans Democratic. Pan's campaign is expected to leverage the national Democratic infrastructure, while Kiley will rely on his record and message of breaking partisan gridlock.
