Kiley Concedes Loss to Pan in California's 6th District

Rep. Kevin Kiley conceded his reelection bid on Wednesday, ending his two terms in the U.S. House after losing to Democrat Richard Pan in California’s newly drawn 6th Congressional District. Kiley, an Independent, posted a message on social media early in the day to announce his defeat. He said he had spoken with Pan to congratulate him on the victory. The statement expressed pride in the campaign and gratitude to constituents for believing California was worth fighting for.

Decision Desk HQ projects that Pan defeated Kiley by nearly 15 percentage points. Pan is a physician and former state senator. The result secures the seat for the Democratic Party. Kiley had held the 3rd Congressional District seat before the redistricting changes forced a new race in the 6th District, which includes parts of the Sacramento area.

Kiley became a prominent critic of mid-decade redistricting as both major parties moved to redraw congressional boundaries ahead of the midterms. He introduced legislation last year to prohibit the practice nationwide. In May, he launched a discharge petition to force a House vote on the measure, but the effort did not advance. His opposition stemmed from his belief that gerrymandering plagued democracy. He warned that his existing district would be divided into six separate pieces under the new map.

The political conflict intensified after Texas Republicans approved a new map designed to help their party gain five additional House seats. In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom backed Proposition 50. This ballot measure allowed the state to temporarily adopt new congressional boundaries intended to benefit Democrats. Voters approved the measure in November 2025. Kiley, who had long been a critic of Newsom, opposed the California effort. He decided to run in the 6th District following the approval of the new boundaries.

The race presented a difficult path for the former Republican. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rated the contest as solid Democratic. Kiley switched to independent status in March due to his opposition to redistricting efforts in states led by both parties. In September, he indicated he would not caucus with House Republicans in the next Congress if he won reelection. He also called for changes to House rules that require independents to affiliate with a party caucus to receive committee assignments.

The defeat leaves the 6th District in Democratic hands. The contest concluded a high-profile fight over electoral map drawing. Kiley’s loss marks the end of his service in the U.S. House of Representatives.