Campaigns

Campaigns cover the initiatives, races, and ballot questions where independent-minded voters could decide the outcome. IVN.us reports on contests at every level, from local measures to statewide elections, with nonpartisan coverage and information so independent-minded voters can make informed choices.

Buttigieg Breaks Ranks as Independent Senate Candidates Shake Up 2026

Early voters in South Dakota show support for independent Senate candidate Brian Bengs, while former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg endorses an independent over a Democrat in Montana.

By Matt Shinners

October 26, 2026

Buttigieg Breaks Ranks as Independent Senate Candidates Shake Up 2026

7 Independent Campaigns to Watch in the Final Days of the Midterms

With Election Day two weeks away, seven independent campaigns for Senate and House seats are at critical moments. From Nebraska to Alaska to Montana, races are tightening or showing surprises in the final stretch.

By Matt Shinners

October 23, 2026

7 Independent Campaigns to Watch in the Final Days of the Midterms

Can Ben Allen Fight Off Jane Kim and the DSA Machine to Become California’s 9th Insurance Commissioner?

In California's first-ever race for an elected insurance commissioner between two Democrats, state Sen. Ben Allen fights to overcome Jane Kim's lead from the June 2 primary.

By Cara Brown McCormick

October 21, 2026

Ben Allen (Moderate Democrat) vs. Jane Kim (Progressive Democrat), California Insurance Commissioner

Progressive-Backed Cofer and Establishment Favorite Guerra Face off for Sacramento County Supervisor

With no party label on the ballot, the open District 1 seat becomes a test of which Democratic wing can deliver votes in November

By Cara Brown McCormick

October 19, 2026

Eric Guerra (Moderate Democrat) vs. Flo Cofer (Progressive Democrat), Sacramento County Supervisor District 1

Montana's Senate Race Is Breaking All the Rules of Party Loyalty

In Montana's Senate race, independent Seth Bodnar faces criticism from both parties while Democratic nominee Alani Bankhead stays in the race despite calls to drop out. The contest will test whether an independent can win without party consolidation.

By Matt Shinners

October 15, 2026

Josh Hoover Keeps Winning Where Democrats Have the Edge. Can He Do It Again?

One of California's most competitive legislative districts is back in play as Republicans fight to hold the seat, Democrats spend big to flip it, and independent voters emerge as the deciding force.

By Cara Brown McCormick

October 14, 2026

Josh Hoover (Moderate Republican) vs. Amy L. Slavensky (Progressive Democrat), Assembly District 7

Can Leila Namvar Give Dem Socialists a Win Over Moderate Republican Greg Wallis?

A Republican incumbent who breaks with his party more often than any other legislator faces a DSA-backed progressive Democrat in one of California's closest Assembly races.

By Cara Brown McCormick

October 13, 2026

Greg Wallis (Moderate Republican) vs. Leila Namvar (Progressive Democrat), Assembly District 47

Kern County's 50,000 Independent Voters Will Decide Who Goes to Sacramento

In Kern County's Assembly District 35, nearly one in four voters are registered with no party preference, making independents the likely kingmakers in a closely competitive race between Democrat Andrae Gonzales and Republican Saul Ayon.

By Cara Brown McCormick

October 12, 2026

Andrae Gonzales (Democrat) vs. Saul Ayon (Republican), Assembly District 35

15 Races Where Democratic Socialists Can Reshape California Politics

Democratic Socialists and the California Working Families Party are fielding 25 candidates across California this fall, with 10 nearly certain to win. The races show how independent voters and the state's open primary system shape the left's push to move the Democratic Party further left.

By Cara Brown McCormick

October 8, 2026

15 Races Where Democratic Socialists Can Reshape California Politics

Maine Let the Independent Debate. Why Can’t Illinois?

Candidates who make it on the ballot don't always make it onto debate stages. Debate rules designed by media outlets, commissions, and civic organizations are locking out independent candidates while major party nominees sometimes skip debates altogether.

By Shawn Griffiths

October 8, 2026

Maine Let the Independent Debate. Why Can’t Illinois?

Election Day Is Closing In. Now, Everyone Wants the Independent Voter

Independent voters, locked out of primaries in most states, are now the most sought-after voting bloc as candidates distance themselves from party leaders to appeal to the general election electorate.

By Shawn Griffiths

October 7, 2026

Election Day Is Closing In. Now, Everyone Wants the Independent Voter

Win or Lose, Independent Candidates Are Building Something Bigger

As a historic number of credible independents head into November, organizer Sarah Czech says the real work starts after the votes are counted.

By Matt Shinners

October 6, 2026