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Politics in Indiana is broken.

Because our primaries matter more than the general election, politicians feel forced to cater to the extremes 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.

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.

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!

Latest Updates

News & Press

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

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

Indiana Capital Chronicle

Group backing independent candidates wants Indiana to end straight-ticket voting

Leaders of an Indiana group aimed at supporting independent political candidates say the state’s time in the national congressional redistricting spotlight gives them hope that the Legislature will advance election reforms.

Dec

2025

Fox59

Independent Indiana releases new study, advocates electoral changes

INDIANAPOLIS — An initiative aimed at promoting independent candidates in Indiana released a new study on Monday, one that the organization hopes to help Indiana out of a period of what they call “sustained political stagnation.”

Dec