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.

Ballrooms, Ballots, and a Three-Way Fight for New York

The latest Independent Voter Podcast episode takes listeners through the messy intersections of politics, reform, and public perception. Chad and Cara open with the irony of partisan outrage over trivial issues like a White House ballroom while overlooking the deeper dysfunctions in our democracy. F

Independent Voter Podcast

/ October 30, 2025

The Most Disliked Candidate in the NYC Mayoral Race Isn't the Republican

The New York City mayoral election has drawn national attention in a way voters haven’t seen in modern history. This is because Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, 33 and a self-described democratic socialist, is poised to win based on the latest polling.

Shawn Griffiths

/ October 27, 2025

The Most Disliked Candidate in the NYC Mayoral Race Isn't the Republican

RIP East Wing of White House

On Day 16 of the government shutdown, President Donald Trump held a special “Legacy Dinner” at the White House to thank donors who helped fund his new ballroom project, which costs around $200-$250 million.

Cara Brown McCormick

/ October 21, 2025

10 Biggest Spenders In $150 Million Race for California Prop 50

Going into 2025, there were few people who expected a statewide ballot measure election in California to become the sixth most expensive in state history in a year with no other statewide race on the ballot – but here we are with Prop 50, which asks voters to approve a legislative gerrymander.

Shawn Griffiths

/ October 21, 2025

10 Biggest Spenders In $150 Million Race for California Prop 50

California Democrats and Texas Republicans Keep Copying Each Other

From California, where independent redistricting commissioner J. Ray Kennedy, a Democrat, describes how state leaders effectively sidelined the nonpartisan commission, to Texas, where the Republican Party is suing to close one of the nation’s oldest open primary systems, the hosts trace a pattern of

Cara Brown McCormick

/ October 16, 2025

California Democrats and Texas Republicans Keep Copying Each Other

Beyond the Viral Katie Porter Clip: What California’s Governor Race Says About Voter Choice

In this episode, Chad Peace and Cara McCormick unpack the viral exchange between CBS’s Julie Watts and gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter - a clip that sparked headlines but also exposes how California’s limiting election rules shape campaign incentives. What did the interview actually show, and w

Cara Brown McCormick

/ October 9, 2025

Beyond the Viral Katie Porter Clip: What California’s Governor Race Says About Voter Choice

New Poll: 54% of Voters Buying What Dems are Selling on California Prop 50

As early voting for the November 4 special election in California begins, a new poll shows a majority of voters may end up supporting Prop 50, which suspends the state's independent redistricting commission in favor of a legislative gerrymander.

Shawn Griffiths

/ October 7, 2025

New Poll: 54% of Voters Buying What Dems are Selling on California Prop 50

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

Cara Brown McCormick

/ October 2, 2025

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

California Prop 50: Partisan Power Play or Necessary Counterpunch?

November 4 marks a special election for what has become the most controversial ballot measure in California in recent memory: Proposition 50, which would circumvent congressional districts drawn by the state’s independent redistricting commission for a legislative-drawn map.

Shawn Griffiths

/ October 1, 2025

California Prop 50: Partisan Power Play or Necessary Counterpunch?

CNN Poll Shows Independent Voters Are More Diverse Than You Think

A new CNN poll conducted by SSRS between August 21 and September 1 surveyed 2,077 adults, including 1,006 who identify as independents. The results challenge the idea that independents are a single bloc of undecided swing voters. Instead, they fall into five distinct groups with very different views

Cara Brown McCormick

/ September 26, 2025

CNN Poll Shows Independent Voters Are More Diverse Than You Think

Our Revolution Says It Will Mobilize Over A Million CA Voters to Support Prop 50

The national progressive organization that spawned from Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign has now set its sights on Proposition 50 in California and says it will mobilize 1.2 million contacts statewide in support of a proposed legislative gerrymander.

Shawn Griffiths

/ September 24, 2025

Our Revolution Says It Will Mobilize Over A Million CA Voters to Support Prop 50

Soros Fuels $100M Partisan Showdown to Control California Maps

Proposition 50, the special election measure in California to adopt a new legislative-drawn congressional map, is becoming the most controversial ballot measure in recent history – and it is attracting more than just attention.

Shawn Griffiths

/ September 22, 2025

Soros Fuels $100M Partisan Showdown to Control California Maps