Independent Indiana

Politics in Indiana feels broken.

Because our primaries matter more than the general election, politicians are pressured to cater to the extremes of their party instead of serving us all.

But when faced with a big problem, Hoosiers don’t quit. Throughout Indiana, candidates have been bypassing the two-party system in surprising numbers.

In the past two elections, 244 independent candidates got on the ballot in partisan races.

52% of them won.

The momentum is real — but so are the roadblocks

Where independents won in 2023 & 2024

Despite their wins, structural barriers like burdensome signature requirements and straight-ticket voting have kept countywide, state, and federal offices out of reach for independents in Indiana.

But that hasn’t stopped strong would-be leaders from stepping forward.

In fact, nearly a third of the independents who lost in 2023 and 2024 earned between 30% and 49% of the vote — showing that with better awareness and fairer rules, many more could compete.

That’s why Independent Indiana was created.

We’re working to clear those roadblocks and provide the knowledge, tools, and encouragement communities need to support independent voices in public service.

Want to learn more — or curious about what it takes to run as an independent? Sign up for updates!

Tom Saunders spent more than 25 years in the Indiana House of Representatives as a GOP state lawmaker.

Today he’s part of a growing movement of former Republican elected officials who have chosen to serve their communities as independents.

Shawna Girgis served three terms as mayor of Bedford, Indiana—winning every race as an independent.

Her record demonstrates the appeal of candidates who put service above partisanship.

Richard Strick broke from the GOP to run as an independent in Dan Quayle’s hometown.

Now in his second term as mayor of Northeast Indiana’s second largest city, his story highlights the potential for leaders outside the two-party system to serve effectively.

panel discussion

Successful Independent Elected Officials From Across Indiana

Independent Indiana executive director Nathan Gotsch moderates a panel discussion with three independent elected officials from across Indiana.

Latest Updates

News & Press

Stay up to date with the latest announcements, media coverage, and organizational updates from Independent Indiana.

PRESS RELEASE

Polling shows Greg Ballard immediately competitive as independent in Secretary of State race

In light of recent reports that former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is considering a run for Indiana Secretary of State as an independent, Independent Indiana is releasing new polling conducted last fall as part of its Report on Competitive Elections.

Mar

2026

Indiana Citizen

Nonprofit seeks more competitive elections in Indiana by looking beyond Rep & Dem candidates

With the window opening on Jan. 7 for Republican and Democratic candidates to file for the 2026 elections, an Indiana nonpartisan nonprofit is offering a suggestion for engaging voters and making elected officials more responsive to their constituents: fill the ballot with people who do not belong to either party.

Jan

2026

Axios indianapolis

Ending straight-ticket voting was once a Republican priority. Independents are pushing for it now.

Ending straight-ticket voting was a priority for House Republicans in 2015. A decade later, it hasn’t happened. A new group is reviving the idea.

Dec

2025

WTHR

What is Independent Indiana?

Independent Indiana’s Nathan Gotsch talks with WTHR in Indianapolis about returning competitive elections to the Hoosier State.

Want to learn more?

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Hear about upcoming events and trainings
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Learn the latest news about independents winning across Indiana

Whether you’re just curious, interested in supporting a neighbor, or thinking about running yourself, this is the place to start.