Fast Forward 04/09/2026

Bill —

We’ve officially kicked off our 2026 congressional endorsements, and this first slate says a lot about where this movement is headed. These are not typical candidates. They are leaders who have built careers solving real problems, working in their communities, and stepping up because they believe the system should work better than it does today. They come from different backgrounds and different regions, but they share a commitment to practical leadership, accountability, and getting things done.

Looking across this first group of endorsed congressional candidates, a few things stand out. These are problem solvers first. They have spent their careers in service, whether in business, public service, or their local communities, focused on outcomes instead of ideology. They are also stepping forward at a moment when most Americans feel like the system is not listening. Nearly half the country identifies as independent, yet the system still forces binary choices between the legacy parties. Just as important, they are willing to run anyway. One of the biggest challenges in our politics today is not just who wins, but who never runs in the first place. Too many capable leaders look at the current system and opt out. These candidates are choosing to step up.

Click the image for more information on each of our 2026 endorsed candidates so far. 

This election is bigger than any single race. We are operating in a system where trust in government is low, competition is limited, and outcomes are too often driven by small, partisan primaries instead of the broader public. That combination produces exactly what voters are tired of: more division, less problem solving, and fewer real choices. At the same time, there is a clear opportunity. Most Americans are not asking for more extremes. They are asking for leaders who can work across differences, focus on solutions, and represent the full community, not just one side of it.

This first slate also reflects something bigger about how change can actually happen. It does not take a majority to shift how Congress works. A small group of independent minded leaders who are focused on solutions instead of party can become a deciding force and help bridge divides. That is how incentives begin to shift toward cooperation instead of conflict and negotiation instead of gridlock.

This is just the beginning. This first group of congressional endorsements is one step in a much broader effort, with many more endorsements to come across federal, statewide, and local elections. The goal is to build a durable pipeline of leaders who reflect the country as it actually is and give voters more credible choices at every level.

That work is already underway. Earlier in the cycle, we made our first endorsement of the year with gubernatorial candidate Rick Bennett in Maine, a leader who has consistently demonstrated what it looks like to put voters ahead of party and govern with integrity. That endorsement helped set the tone for what we are building, and this first congressional slate continues that momentum.

At its core, this effort is about something simple. American politics should reflect the American people. Right now, it does not, but it can. By supporting candidates like these, leaders who are independent minded, solutions oriented, and accountable, we are helping create a system where voters have real choices again. This is an important step forward, and there is much more to come.

Please forward this to your friends, family, and coworkers. It helps us introduce them to Forward and to what we are building. Also consider inviting them to one of our upcoming events listed below. We’d love to meet them.

Episode 7 brings the conversation back to where politics has the most immediate impact: local leadership. While national headlines tend to dominate attention, this discussion highlights how mayors and community leaders are quietly solving real problems every day without the noise of partisan division. Featuring Deke Copenhaver, former mayor of Augusta, Georgia, Brian Vincent, current mayor of Farmville, Virginia, and Clint Eisenhauer, South Carolina Forward Party Chair, the episode explores what it looks like to lead with service, accountability, and community-first thinking. These leaders share firsthand experiences navigating political pressure, earning trust at the grassroots level, and making decisions that directly shape the lives of their constituents.

We hope you enjoy! Don’t forget to let us know what you think.

Click the image below to watch.

ICYMI: The Forward Party Podcast – Behind the Scenes reel

April 10 – New Mexico Press Event with Andrew Yang

Andrew Yang has a big announcement for New Mexico! Meet us on the steps of the Capitol in Santa Fe to hear from Forward Party co-founder, Andrew Yang. Then, join us for a special evening celebration event in Downtown Albuquerque to meet Andrew in-person for a live Q&A, connect with New Mexico Forward leadership, mingle and meet fellow reform-minded New Mexicans, and learn how to get involved to help grow ballot access and voter choice statewide. Click here for more information and to RSVP.

April 11 – Texas Inaugural State Convention

Join a coalition of independent thinkers for the Texas Forward Party’s Inaugural State Convention—a historic weekend of action, training, and connection in Austin. We are bringing together community leaders from across the state to lower the temperature, break the gridlock, and put power back in the hands of voters.

April 11 – Colorado Forward Party Nominating Convention

On April 11th, the Colorado Forward Party is holding a virtual assembly to nominate candidates for the November ballot and conduct other party business.

April 11 – Forward Party of Utah State Convention

Join Forwardists from across the state and Forward Party Cofounder Andrew Yang for the Forward Party of Utah’s annual State Convention—our biggest gathering of the year. At the convention, attendees will meet and nominate Forward candidates, vote on party priorities, and help shape the direction of the Forward Party of Utah for the year ahead. The program will feature a strong lineup of speakers, thoughtful discussion, and meaningful opportunities for members and supporters to share ideas and perspectives on Utah’s political future.

If you’re tired of waiting for the system to fix itself — this is your moment.
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