Rep. Kevin Kiley of California announced Monday that he is immediately leaving the Republican Party to become an independent, filing formal paperwork with the House clerk to change his party affiliation.

Kiley said he will register as "no party preference" but plans to continue caucusing with Republicans to maintain his committee assignments. The move reduces the Republican Party's already narrow majority in the House of Representatives.

The California congressman had previously indicated he would run for reelection as an independent in the upcoming midterm elections, but accelerated his party departure on Monday. Kiley cited redistricting developments as a factor in his decision to make the switch immediately rather than waiting.

The party change comes amid ongoing redistricting processes in California that have created uncertainty for several House members regarding their electoral prospects. Kiley's decision to maintain his caucus affiliation with Republicans suggests he intends to continue voting with the party on key legislative matters despite his independent status.

Kiley's departure further complicates the Republican Party's thin margin of control in the House, though his commitment to caucus with the GOP may limit the immediate practical impact on legislative proceedings.