California's Patriot Profile: Congressman Kevin Kiley

Waging the Battle Against Newsom's Overreach with Audacious Courage

Governor Gavin Newsom's liberal agenda has pushed California to the brink, but one champion is its most vociferous opponent: Congressman Kevin Kiley. From Sacramento to Washington, D.C., Kiley has doggedly tracked Newsom's overreach, defending the freedoms and values that Californians cherish. His bold, principled courage makes him a true champion for the future of California.

Kiley's challenge to Newsom was planted in the California legislature, where he served as an Assemblyman from 2016 to 2022. With his Ivy League credentials—Harvard undergraduate and Yale Law School—Kiley could have had high-level career aspirations. Still, instead, he educated low-income Fresno communities, providing a grounded perspective on California's problems. Under Newsom's draconian COVID-19 lockdowns, Kiley was among the vocal critics of sweeping lockdowns, school closures, and mandatory vaccination that devastated small businesses and families. He co-authored bills to limit Newsom's emergency powers and fought a 2022 bill that would have censored free speech for medical professionals regarding COVID-19, successfully getting it repealed in 2023. His activism made him a champion of freedom.

In Congress today, elected in 2022, Kiley continues to keep Newsom's feet to the fire. His most recent achievement is the Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn Newsom's 2035 ban on the sale of gas-powered cars. Enabled by a Biden-era waiver from the EPA (issued after the election, in the final days of his administration), the ban—imposed without the permission of voters or lawmakers—is forcing Californians to pay for pricey electric vehicle mandates. Kiley's resolution, sponsored by House members, passed the House and Senate and is awaiting President Trump's signature, marking a bipartisan victory that will save affordable transportation for working-class and rural families.

Kiley's fight is not just on the roads. He has fought Newsom's soft-on-crime policies, recently supporting Proposition 36 on the 2024 ballot to reverse Proposition 47's lowered penalties for theft and drug crimes that have fueled higher crime rates across California. Kiley condemned Newsom's various attempts to try to keep 36 off the ballot, following the demands of voters for safer streets. He has also pushed to shut down California's sanctuary state laws and Medi-Cal for illegal aliens, arguing these are a drain on resources for citizens. In education, Kiley has advocated for school choice and parents' rights, rejecting Newsom's top-down mandates, and has issued a "Newsom-proof California" agenda, which also targets the cost-prohibitive high-speed rail project.

Kiley's experience kindles his effectiveness. His educational background informs his focus on under-resourced communities, and his legal skills refine his legislative expertise. In contrast to Newsom, whose presidential aspirations conflict with his state policy decisions, Kiley advocates for Californians, fighting tax hikes, upholding property rights, and exposing corruption within the state government. His hybrid of street-level enthusiasm and intellectual rigor sets him apart.

Kiley's battles are part of a broader fight against Sacramento's overreach, encompassing issues ranging from crime to schools to economic freedom. While Newsom's policies are driving businesses and citizens away, Kiley's vision offers hope: a California where opportunity and personal freedom thrive. His leadership demonstrates that a single, unwavering voice can shake a stubborn status quo, paving the way for a freer, more prosperous state.

Finally, Kevin is my friend. And I am proud to name him a conservative champion here in the Golden State!

---

Each week, I profile a conservative champion in California. Please suggest people you think should be considered for a future profile!

First time to Does It Matter? A lot of content is available here.