Washington D.C. –
The Forward Party today announced its endorsement of independent congressional candidates Tracey Tackett in Ohio’s 4th Congressional District and Dr. Michael Eisenhauer in Montana’s 2nd Congressional District, continuing the party’s support for candidates seeking to expand independent representation in Congress.
The endorsements add to the Forward Party’s growing slate of candidates running outside the two-party system who bring experience in public service, community leadership, and a true dedication and passion for change to their campaigns.
“Forward is committed to supporting leaders who have demonstrated a record of serving their communities and who are focused on practical governance rather than partisan politics. Tracey Tackett and Michael Eisenhauer have each spent years solving problems, building relationships, and serving others. Their campaigns reflect the kind of independent leadership Forward is working to support across the country.”
-Lindsey Drath, CEO, Forward Party
Tracey Tackett – Ohio’s 4th Congressional District
A lifelong Ohioan, Tackett currently serves as Assistant Mayor for the City of Springfield, where she represents the city on numerous boards and commissions related to economic development, transportation, neighborhood engagement, historic preservation, and community relations.
She is also a graduate of Leadership Clark County, Wittenberg University, and The Ohio State University, where she earned a master’s degree in Public Policy and Leadership.
Outside of government, Tackett has owned and operated Sip & Dipity Paint Bar for more than 12 years and has served in leadership roles with organizations including the Epilepsy Foundation of Ohio, Glen Helen Association, Habitat for Humanity, the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and the American Cancer Society.
Her campaign centers on independent leadership and bringing together people from different political backgrounds to address challenges facing Ohio communities. She is committed to representation for all Ohioans, bringing a new perspective and vision to her leadership that will open new doors.
Michael Eisenhauer – Montana’s 2nd Congressional District
Eisenhauer is a retired Army Colonel, Army Medical Corps veteran, and clinical and interventional cardiologist who has spent his career in military service and rural healthcare.
During nearly 25 years of active-duty military service, he served in leadership positions around the world, including as Deputy Forces Surgeon and Chief of Clinical Operations for Multi-National Forces–Iraq during the Iraq War, earning the Bronze Star for his service.
As a physician, he has practiced across Montana, traveling to rural communities to expand access to specialized cardiac care. He has also served as a leader within the American College of Cardiology, completed Leadership Montana, and volunteered for years with the Boy Scouts of America.
His campaign focuses on issues including affordability, healthcare, veterans’ issues, and reducing partisan gridlock through independent representation. Eisenhauer believes the two-party representative system is not working, clearly proven by dismal approval ratings and the anxiety of young Americans who fear the American Dream is no longer possible for them.
Eisenhauer asserts that an independent is far better positioned to represent the needs and desires of Montanans, answering only to the people of Montana rather than partisan interests.
The endorsements reflect the Forward Party’s continued and intentional strategy of supporting qualified candidates who demonstrate a record of public service and a commitment to work across political lines, regardless of whether they come from government, business, healthcare, education, the military, or other backgrounds.
As the number of independent voters continues to grow nationwide due to dissatisfaction with the two-party system, Forward continues to expand its network of candidates seeking to offer voters an alternative to traditional politics.
Tackett and Eisenhauer are both running as independent candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives in this year’s general election, taking place on November 3, 2026.
