Today marks the four-week anniversary of Independent Indiana.

In just under a month, we’ve already seen incredible momentum, including multiple Hoosiers who've reached out to us to say they want to run for office next year as independents.

I wanted to share a few important updates with you:

Big news: national expert joins our team

Will Conway on September 22nd in Indianapolis

We’re thrilled to announce that Will Conway has come on board as our new Director of Operations.

• Will previously helped lead national efforts at No Labels and the Forward Party, where he built state-level infrastructure and mobilized thousands of volunteers.

• His experience and passion for building an independent movement will be a huge asset as we grow in Indiana.

You can read more on Will joining us here.

Recap: Panel discussion with independent winners

Richard Strick and Shawna Girgis at our event on September 22nd.

Richard Strick and Shawna Girgis at our event on September 22nd.

Last Monday night, we hosted our first in-person event – a panel discussion with independent elected officials from around the state – and it was a packed house.

Thank you to everyone who came out! Full video is linked below.

We heard from three inspiring independent leaders:

• Tom Saunders – longtime Republican state legislator who left the party and was elected to the Lewisville Town Council as an independent

• Richard Strick – Mayor of Huntington (2020 - present)

• Shawna Girgis – former Mayor of Bedford (2008-2020)

One comment that stuck with me came from Richard:

“We don’t just need independent candidates. We need independent thinking in both parties — left and right officials who know when to put party aside to do what’s needed.”

Coming soon: Candidate toolkit

Next month, we’ll release a Toolkit for Independent Candidates – a practical resource with information for any Hoosier considering an independent run.

Why it matters: In the last two election cycles, 244 independent candidates made the ballot in Indiana partisan races. 127 of them won – a 52% success rate.

If you know someone thinking about running, please forward this email and encourage them to sign up to get these updates themselves so they will be notified as soon as the toolkit goes live.

A personal note

This past weekend, I visited Washington, D.C. for a conference and spent some time at the Lincoln Memorial.

Standing there reminded me that every few generations, we’re called to renew the American experiment.

I believe our country is currently in one of those moments.

But with your help, we can rise to the challenge here in Indiana and come out stronger on the other side.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Links from this letter: 

• Independent Indiana adds national political organizer Will Conway

• Video: Panel discussion of successful independents from across Indiana

• Sign up for email updates from Independent Indiana

Nathan
—
executive director
Independent Indiana
nathan@independentindiana.org