Washington D.C. –
The Forward Party today announced its first slate of congressional endorsements for the 2026 election cycle, backing six independent-minded candidates across the country who are working to end the ugliness in today’s politics and the lack of actual problem solving from today’s partisan leaders. These candidates represent a new kind of leader focused on problem solving, accountability, and working across differences to deliver results for their constituents.
At a time when many Americans feel that today’s politics and candidates are not reflecting them and their communities, these candidates represent the kind of leadership voters can be proud to vote for—balanced, thoughtful leaders who put people ahead of parties and problem solving ahead of partisan performance.
“The strength of this slate speaks for itself. These are principled, collaborative leaders who are stepping up to serve because they see what so many Americans see: a system that isn’t working and a need for something better.”
-Kayla Berube, Forward Party National Political Director.
The Forward Party’s first U.S. House endorsements of 2026:
Chris Demers (CA-18) is a democracy reformer and community leader running to fix a system that isn’t working for most people. With experience as both a federal government employee and a corporate sustainability professional, he knows how poor incentive systems in Washington lead to higher costs and fewer results for families. Locally, he is a Rotarian, youth sports coach, and committed advocate for marginalized communities and the environment. Chris is running for Congress to bring accountability and higher ethics to government, lower costs for working families, and deliver practical solutions—not more partisan dysfunction.
Dr. Karen Matthews (CA-23) is a physician, retired Navy veteran, and small business owner who has spent her career serving veterans and working families. After retiring from the Navy, Karen returned home to the Inland Empire. A lifelong independent raised in rural California, she is running for Congress to lower costs, strengthen healthcare, and bring practical, accountable leadership back to government.
Kelly Doss (MN-06) is a nonprofit leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing healthcare access, disability advocacy, and community development across Central Minnesota. A long-time resident of the district, she is running for Congress to expand access to affordable healthcare, restore integrity in government, and bring a more collaborative, solutions-focused approach to Washington.
Andy Kaplan (SC-05) is a healthcare industry professional with more than 30 years of experience and a longtime community leader in South Carolina, where he has served with organizations including the YMCA, United Way, and local youth programs. A father of three and husband to a public school teacher, he is running for Congress to restore the rule of law, lower costs for working families, and bring common-sense, nonpartisan leadership back to government.
Nate Powell (WA-05) is a Marine veteran, firefighter, and union member from Spokane who has dedicated his career to serving his community and advocating for working families. He is running for Congress as an independent to lower costs, expand access to healthcare, and restore trust in government by putting people ahead of parties and corporate interests.
Mike Thurow (WI-06) is a Fire Captain and HAZMAT team leader from Wisconsin’s 6th District, where he has spent his career responding to emergencies and supporting working families in his community. A lifelong resident and father of four, he is running for Congress as an independent to fight corruption, strengthen public safety, and deliver practical, pro-worker solutions beyond partisan politics.
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 reality is that it doesn’t take dozens of independent voices in Congress to make a difference; it just takes a few. A small group of independent-minded leaders can help break gridlock, force real negotiation, and deliver solutions that actually improve people’s lives.”
-Lindsey Drath, Forward Party CEO
The Forward Party is building a national movement to support independent-minded leaders and expand choices for voters across the country.
Forward will be announcing additional endorsements in the months ahead leading up to the November 2026 election.
More information is available at forwardparty.com/candidates.
