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.
If Kiley wins in the newly-drawn CA-6, a district drawn to create a safely Democratic seat, the only independent in the House will have proven that the label can beat the gerrymander that created it.
Arizona lets independent voters participate in its taxpayer-funded primaries—but only after they choose a party ballot, accept limited candidate options, and rely on party leaders to keep the door open.
Recent polling has Osborn +5 on the incumbent, with earlier polls showing him down 1. No poll shows the Republican pulling clear in a state Trump carried by 20 points.
Senator Lisa Murkowski defies Trump on the SAVE America Act, arguing it would create impossible barriers for Alaska voters. Her opposition shows how nonpartisan elections give lawmakers freedom from party pressure.
Matt Shinners
Independent Voter Podcast
Shawn Griffiths
