Washington D.C. –
The Forward Party today announced its endorsement of Erin Petrey in Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District and Brian Varela in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, supporting two independent-minded leaders focused on solving problems, lowering costs, and bringing accountability back to Washington.
At a time when many Americans feel the political system is not working for them, Petrey and Varela represent a new kind of leadership. Both are focused on practical solutions, economic opportunity, and putting people ahead of partisan politics.
“These are exactly the kinds of candidates voters are looking for right now. Erin and Brian are problem solvers with real-world experience who understand the challenges facing their communities. They are stepping up to serve because they see what so many Americans see, a system that isn’t delivering and a need for something better.”
-Kayla Berube, Forward Party National Political Director.
Erin Petrey (KY-06) is a business leader and native Kentuckian with deep roots in Lexington, eastern, and northern Kentucky. She built her career creating jobs and leading major infrastructure projects across the energy, technology, and healthcare sectors. Petrey is an active community volunteer and national board member of Bourbon Women, and is running to bring accountability, economic opportunity, and a people-first approach to Congress, with a focus on affordability, healthcare access, job creation, and strengthening communities across the district.
Brian Varela (NJ-07) is a business leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate with a focus on expanding economic opportunity and supporting working families across New Jersey. He has built his career creating businesses and working closely with local communities, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges facing small businesses and middle-class families. Varela is running for Congress to lower costs, strengthen the economy, and bring a more practical, solutions-driven approach to Washington.
Forward supports leaders who reflect a more representative politics, one where problem solving matters more than party labels and where elected officials are accountable to the people they serve.
The Forward Party is building a national movement to support independent-minded leaders and expand choices for voters across the country. Additional endorsements will be announced in the months ahead leading up to the November 2026 election.
More information is available at forwardparty.com/candidates.
