Illinois independent gubernatorial candidate Collin Corbett is demanding access to a debate forum with the Democratic and Republican nominees, facing the same polling-based exclusion rules that have kept independent and third-party candidates off debates for decades.
A closed Republican primary, a weak Democratic Party, and a wide gap between how Idahoans register and how they identify have produced an unusually deep bench of independents.
While Rhode Island’s major parties emerge from bruising primaries, Ken Block enters the general election arguing that a state dominated by unaffiliated voters is ready for something beyond partisan politics.
From one-on-one Senate showdowns to growing campaign infrastructure, independent candidates are entering the fall with more money, attention, and opportunity than usual.
Bill Hill finished second in Alaska’s top-four primary and now takes on Republican Rep. Nick Begich III in a ranked-choice general election — while voters simultaneously decide whether to repeal the system that helped put an independent in contention.
An independent candidate with little money and no party machine is betting that the closest House district in America is ready to break from the same Republican-Democratic rematch.
The retired Air Force major general says neither party represents her politics—and she’s betting Idaho voters are ready for an independent who puts policy before party.
This decision puts Montana in contrast with Idaho, South Dakota, and Nebraska, where the Democrat dropped out of the race to clear the way for an Independent candidate.
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.
"For me, it really is money in politics," he said. "Money in politics touches so many, if not every, issue that's out there. If you're taking their money, you've got to do their bidding."
Jason Faler, a 27-year Army officer, is running for Congress in Oregon's 6th as an independent candidate, challenging both parties and ballot access barriers.
Shawn Griffiths
Matt Shinners
Independent Voter Podcast