Independent firefighter Mike Thurow is taking on a Republican incumbent in an R+8 Wisconsin district—and early polling suggests voters may be more open to his candidacy than they are to a Democrat.
After a legislative effort to require party registration stalled, the Alabama GOP made closing its primaries an official party priority—even as some Republican lawmakers warn it would shut out too many independent voters.
In this episode of the Independent Voter Podcast, hosts Ethan, Cara, and Shawn dig into the escalating battle between citizen-led direct democracy and entrenched political power.
Political insiders from both parties largely reject the claim that independent voters would sabotage primaries if allowed to participate, and some say open primaries produce stronger candidates.
California's nonpartisan Top Two primary brought record Latino turnout in the 2026 governor's race. Now party insiders are pushing to repeal it, which strategist Mike Madrid warns would silence the state's fastest-growing voting bloc.
Missouri's Secretary of State blocked a voter referendum to overturn a partisan congressional gerrymander, ruling it unconstitutional without revealing signature counts. The decision will likely face legal challenges.
Mike Madrid sits down with Bobby Pulido—Grammy-winning Tejano music star turned Democratic congressional candidate—to discuss one of the most important political realignments in America.
California's first Latina Senate leader enters the final month with control over hundreds of bills and a legislative record her office says received bipartisan support 87% of the time.
Four independent veterans are competing in Washington's Top Two primary on Tuesday, representing different branches and offices while benefiting from the state's nonpartisan system that gives independents equal ballot access.
Matt Shinners
Jeremy Gruber
Independent Voter Podcast
Shawn Griffiths
Cara Brown McCormick
IVN Editorial Board
Mike Madrid
