Reps. Bera and Kiley will battle in a Sacramento-area showdown for House seat
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Bera announced a challenge to Kiley in redrawn CA-03, citing path to House majority.
- Kiley retains GOP profile from recall and Trump support amid competitive district.
- Multiple Democrats, fundraising advantages and new lines set stage for rivalry.
Rep. Ami Bera said Tuesday he’ll challenge Rep. Kevin Kiley in a Sacramento-area district whose lines are being redrawn to give Bera an advantage.
“The path to a Democratic House majority runs through California,” said Bera, D-Sacramento. “I’m stepping up in CA-03 to help deliver that majority and to keep fighting for the hardworking families who call the greater Sacramento region home.”
“Our campaign is built to win tough races,” Bera added. “With nearly $2 million in the bank, a strong record of service, and a clear path to victory, we’re ready to take back the House majority and place a much-needed check on Donald Trump’s power.”
Kiley issued a video message after the polls closed that did not mention Bera. Kiley decried what he called excessive partisanship, and urged more cooperation across party lines.
“When I first ran for Congress three years ago, I pledged to be an independent voice for our district, to fight for all Californians, and to work towards overcoming our country’s political divisions,” he said.
“I believe that mission is even more important today. That is why I am committed to earning the support of voters for another term in the U.S. House of Representatives next year. Politicians can change the lines on a map, but they can’t tell you how to vote. In a democracy, the power to choose our representatives always rests with you, the voter.”
Kiley vs. Bera
The showdown between the two veteran political figures promises to be one of the state’s, if not the nation’s, most fierce marquee battles.
Bera, 59, is a Democrat now in his seventh term representing eastern and northern Sacramento County. A physician and formerly Sacramento County’s chief medical officer, he’s been particularly active on foreign affairs issues; he’s the top Democrat on the House East Asia and Pacific subcommittee.
Kiley, 40, a Republican, is in his second term representing a rambling district that stretches from the northeastern Sacramento suburbs, through Placer and nearby counties and down to Death Valley.
He’s well known in state circles for his leadership in trying to oust Gov. Gavin Newsom in a 2021 recall election that the governor won easily. Kiley ran himself in that race, finishing sixth with 3.4%.
The next year, though, he ran for Congress and got elected with a boost from President Donald Trump. Kiley won easily in 2024 in the district, which Trump won by four points.
But the new Third District stretches across the Sacramento area, a region that Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris won by 10 points last year.
Also in the race are Democrats Heidi Hall, a Nevada County supervisor and Marine veteran Tyler Vandenberg.
This story was originally published November 4, 2025 at 8:39 PM.
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