Editor's Note: The following is an exclusive series on IVN from the better elections group Open Primaries. The content originated from the group's weekly newsletter, "Primary Buzz."
The midterms are over, and independent voters made their mark. In a big way. We’re still digging into the numbers, but our early analysis shows that independent voters broke almost 2 to 1 for Democrats over Republicans, and in many races were more than the margin of victory. Independents determined outcomes from South Carolina to Florida to Texas. Can we leverage that to achieve full voting rights for independents in 2027 and 2028? Can we repeal closed primaries in the 16 states that still lock us out? That’s the goal!
Here is some early coverage of the “independent impact,” including media appearances by Open Primaries President John Opdycke and SVP Jeremy Gruber.
- The Washington Post reported that independent early voters outnumbered BOTH Democratic and Republican early voters.
- Axios reported unusually strong early participation among independent and Latino voters. (Hey Axios, those are often the same thing!)
- NPR, Newsnation, Tangle, National Press, Fox News, Forbes
Independent Candidates Made Their Mark
Independent candidates established their credibility as serious contenders this election and blew apart the persistent claim that they are merely spoilers. Seth Bodnar, Brian Bangs, Kevin Kiley, Todd Achilles, and Dan Osborn did not win. But they broke new ground and took independent politics into an entirely new place. A big step forward.
One independent who did win was Rob Sand, the new Governor of Iowa. Although he ran as a Democrat, his campaign was defined by his independence. Rob wants full voting rights for independents. He promised to appoint Democrats, Republicans and independents to his cabinet. His campaign attracted national attention precisely because he offered voters something different from conventional party politics.
Last year, Rob joined the Primary Buzz for a GREAT conversation about what political independence means to him, throwing out the partisan playbook, and the need to let everyone into the political process.
Three Election Night Battles with Many Lessons for the Fight to Open Our Elections
Tuesday’s elections brought important victories, a promising development in Alaska, and a hard lesson in Massachusetts. Across three very different campaigns, one thing was clear: changing the rules of our elections takes grassroots organizing, sustained public engagement, and a willingness to build political power from the ground up.
Missouri: A hard-won victory for grassroots democracy
Missouri voters delivered an important victory, defeating an effort to weaken the citizen initiative process and affirming their right to shape the laws and policies that govern them. This was a hard-fought campaign, built on the strength of a grassroots army that organized, educated, and mobilized voters across the state. It is a testament to what sustained organizing can accomplish against well-funded political interests. Special credit goes to Ben Singer and Katie Fahey for their leadership in building and driving this effort. Their work is a reminder that democracy doesn't defend itself. People do.
Alaska: Voters appear ready to defend open primaries
In Alaska, the campaign to repeal the state's top-four open primary and ranked-choice voting system appears headed for defeat. Votes are still being counted, so we cannot declare victory yet, but the early results are encouraging. Alaska has a long tradition of open primaries, dating back to before statehood, and voters appear unwilling to surrender their right to participate in elections regardless of party affiliation. With independents making up roughly 64% of Alaska's electorate, the strong support for keeping an open system is especially significant. This is a powerful reminder that when independent voters have a voice in the political process, they are prepared to defend it.
Massachusetts: Building the foundation for the next phase of reform
The campaign to establish top-two primaries in Massachusetts did not succeed, but the effort deserves recognition. We are deeply grateful to Danielle Allen, Jesse Littlewood, and all the leaders, organizers, volunteers, and supporters who took on this fight and worked to bring a new vision for elections to Massachusetts voters. Important note: this was the first time any state attempted to move from an open, partisan primary to an open nonpartisan primary! Nobody has done it before. The results make clear that this kind of structural change requires more foundational public education, deeper grassroots organizing, and sustained engagement to build understanding and support.
These campaigns remind us that election reform is never a straight line. Some fights are won, some are still being counted, and others show us how much more work lies ahead. But every campaign builds the organizing capacity, public understanding, and momentum needed for the next one. The fight to put voters in charge of our elections continues.
In Case You Missed It
Pennsylvania: New Momentum for Open Primaries
Tuesday’s elections brought new momentum to the fight to open Pennsylvania’s primaries to 1.5 million independent voters. Open primaries supporters made gains in the legislature, and Governor Josh Shapiro, a strong supporter of the reform, had an overwhelming election night victory.
Newsflash!: Axios suggests that open primaries be one of the first items of business for the 2027 legislature
Our conversations with David Thornburgh of Ballot PA Action and Rep. Jared Solomon, lead sponsor of the open primaries bill, reflect growing optimism about the road ahead. With HB 280 already passed by the House with bipartisan support, both see strong potential for the legislation to keep advancing.
The fight to let 1.5 million independent Pennsylvanians vote in taxpayer-funded primaries is far from over.
Activities and Events
Find Your Voice: Join Our Next Independents' Spokesperson Training
Independents are the largest and fastest-growing group of voters in America. But many of us have never had the chance to put into words why we’re independent. Our Independents’ Spokesperson Training is designed to change that.
In one evening on Zoom, you’ll work with professional performance trainers to find a clear, personal, and persuasive way to talk about why you're an independent, whether with a neighbor, a reporter, or an elected official. The session also includes a presentation on who independents are and how closed primaries shut them out, which you can use afterward, plus a Q&A with Open Primaries President John Opdycke.
Hundreds of people from across the country have taken the training, whether they’re experienced speakers or new to public speaking. They leave with a clearer sense of their own voice and a national community of people doing this work alongside them.
“Having that time and space to openly share our thoughts, experiences, and hopes for the future was incredibly energizing—and, quite honestly, cathartic for my soul!” — Heather Miller, Illinois
The training is open to anyone who is reform- or independent-minded. You don’t need to be registered as an independent, and no public speaking experience is required.
Monday, February 22, 2027, 6:30–9:00 pm ET, on Zoom. Spots are limited and fill quickly.