2026 Midterms - Independent Voter News

Nebraska's Senate Race Is a Mess – And We Have Our Voting System To Thank

How first-past-the-post voting turned a primary election into accusations of planted candidates, strategic surrenders, and a Democrat who ran to withdraw.

By

Matt Shinners

/ May 14, 2026

Dan Osborn is running as an independent in the 2026 Nebraska Senate race.

10 States Where Independent Voters Will Decide the 2026 Elections

The 2026 midterm elections are already underway as states conduct their primary elections – and independent voters are expected to have a major impact on results from California to Maine and in several places in-between.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ April 7, 2026

Independent voters will decide the most hotly contested elections in the 2026 midterms -- and in places you wouldn't expect.

Trump EO Pushes Citizenship Verification and Mail Ballot Tracking Further Than SAVE Act Debate

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 31 directing federal agencies to build a new citizenship-verification system for federal elections and requiring the U.S. Postal Service to begin rulemaking on new standards for mailed ballots.

By

Chad Peace

/ March 31, 2026

Donald Trump signing an executive order with voter registration documents, a passport, and mail ballot tracking materials on a presidential desk.

Paige Against the Machine: Scranton Mayor Runs Against Congressional Corruption and Old Party Rules

In the fall of 2019, Scranton, Pennsylvania, was in crisis. Its mayor, Bill Courtright, had resigned and pleaded guilty to federal charges of bribery, extortion, and conspiracy.

By

Cara Brown McCormick

/ March 30, 2026

Paige Against the Machine: Scranton Mayor Runs Against Congressional Corruption and Old Party Rules

My Next Congressman Won His Primary with 24% of the Vote

Illinois conducted its 2026 primary elections Tuesday, and in some cases the winner advanced to November with around or less than 30% of the vote. In my congressional district, IL-7, State Representative La Shawn Ford won his primary with roughly 24% of the vote.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 18, 2026

My Next Congressman Won His Primary with 24% of the Vote

California’s Voter ID Initiative is Way More Chill Than Trump’s SAVE Act

A proposed California ballot initiative would amend the state constitution to add an initiative that aims to "deter and detect voter fraud by maintaining accurate voter registration records and confirming eligibility to vote..."

By

Cara Brown McCormick

/ March 10, 2026

Illustration comparing California voter ID ballot initiative with the federal SAVE Act, showing a simple voter ID check versus complex federal documentation requirements.

How James Talarico Won Over Independents Amid Texas Primary Chaos

James Talarico wins Texas’ Democratic Senate primary as campaigns point to unusually high independent participation in the state’s open primary system. Then Dallas County’s last-minute switch back to precinct-only voting sparks confusion, long lines, and a legal fight over ballots cast after 7 p.m.

By

Independent Voter Podcast

/ March 5, 2026

Texas Primary Shock: Democratic Voter Turnout Surpasses Republicans

The 2026 primary elections in Texas had their fair share of excitement and controversy Tuesday night. But one thing that stood out more than anything else was the turnout. Specifically, in the Democratic primaries, which soared above the Republicans.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 4, 2026

Illustration of Texas primary election turnout showing Democratic voter turnout surpassing Republican turnout in the 2026 Texas primary election.

Mary Peltola Announces Run for US Senate in Top 4 Alaska Primary

Calling for “systemic change,” former Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola announced on January 12 that she will run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, setting up one of the most closely watched races in the country. Peltola will challenge incumbent Dan Sullivan in a contest likely to be shaped as much by Al

By

Cara Brown McCormick

/ January 14, 2026

Mary Peltola Announces Run for US Senate in Top 4 Alaska Primary

Toni Atkins Exits Governor’s Race as Ian Calderon Jumps In, Energizing California’s 2026 Contest

The race to be California’s next governor entered a new chapter this week. Toni Atkins, a veteran lawmaker with decades of influence in Sacramento, has stepped aside. In her place, Ian Calderon, bringing the restless energy of a 39-year-old millennial eager to reimagine the state’s future, has jumpe

By

Cara Brown McCormick

/ October 2, 2025

Toni Atkins Exits Governor’s Race as Ian Calderon Jumps In, Energizing California’s 2026 Contest

Who’s Running for Governor of California in 2026?

California voters are lucky. In 2026, when they choose their next governor, they will do so under a system that ensures no spoilers, no wasted votes, and a guaranteed majority winner. Thanks to the state’s nonpartisan top two primary, every candidate appears on the same ballot, and the top two finis

By

Cara Brown McCormick

/ August 26, 2025

Who’s Running for Governor of California in 2026?

New Report: We Already Know Who Will Win 81% of US House Races in 2026

New analysis from the nonpartisan better elections group FairVote reveals a grim picture of American democracy: Congressional elections are becoming even less competitive and easier to predict -- with the vast majority of House seats effectively decided long before voters cast their ballots.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ April 28, 2025

New Report: We Already Know Who Will Win 81% of US House Races in 2026