John —

Here at Forward, we hear you. We understand. Like we do, many of you look out on the current American political system and see something unrecognizable that doesn't make sense.

Most of us hold ourselves to a high standard when it comes to the way we treat other people. In our homes, we teach our children not to argue and to learn to work together. In our jobs, we see clearly the value of compromise. These are not just American values; they are human values.

And yet... When we step out of our close relationships, our homes, and our jobs, the contrast of our daily experiences with the realities of modern two-party politics is stark. Ours is a system where standards of treatment sometimes aren't apparent at all, where arguing and fabricated animosity are all-too-often rewarded, and where unwillingness to compromise may well win elections.

The incentives are wrong. Tragedies like the one we witnessed in Minnesota happen. It makes you feel anxious; many of you tell us you're scared. We understand; we feel it too.

And it motivates us. The same values you (and we) instill in our children are the values that should be foundational to our political system.

A system that hears you and responds to you. A system driven to solve the problems our communities face. A system of values that cares. This is the system we are working to build.

And with your support, we will build it. We hope you like this edition of our weekly Fast Forward. It's a window into the system that will be.

Starting with... We mentioned Minnesota above. This is one of those failures of the system. In case you missed our statement, here it is. Read it, and then we'll get into what we're going to do to change this system.

Forward this to your friends, family, coworkers - helps us introduce them to Forward and what we are trying to build. We would also love it if you could invite them to one of our upcoming events listed below.

So back to changing the system...

We are excited about the huge, warm reception that the first episode of our newly announced podcast received! Since we're on a roll with these announcements, we have another one: We have rebranded our podcast and settled on a final name: The Forward Party Podcast. This is more descriptive and searchable and better captures the breadth of content and ideas we will be bringing to you over the coming months. Thank you for all the feedback!

Now on to even more exciting things: The next episode of The Forward Party Podcast is now live! In this second episode, hosts Lindsey Drath, Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, and Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey explore a shared question shaping American civic life right now: How do we rebuild trust, restore dialogue, and lead without falling into partisan traps? The conversation brings together two distinct voices who approach that challenge from different angles, yet land on strikingly similar conclusions about leadership, speech, and responsibility.

First to join them in the discussion is journalist and author Rikki Schlott, a columnist for the New York Post and co-author of The Canceling of the American Mind. Drawing from her reporting and personal experience as a Gen Z writer navigating today’s campus climate, Rikki offers a candid look at how free speech debates, social media incentives, and institutional failures are shaping young people’s political identities.

The episode then turns to Minnesota, where Mike Newcome, a Forward Party candidate for governor, joins the conversation. Mike brings a practical lens shaped by decades as a business leader and his current campaign.

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  

A third-party senator, a ‘teacher of the year’ and an ‘ordinary citizen.’ Meet Utah’s new lawmakers

Sen. Emily Buss from Utah’s Forward party, Democratic Rep. John Arthur and Republican Rep. Leah Hansen are preparing to cast their first votes in a general session.

Texas Forward Party to Host First State Convention, Back Independent Slate for 2026

The Texas Forward Party will host its inaugural state convention in Austin this spring, where members will select leadership and set organizing priorities for the year ahead. The party is also seeking ballot access and backing a slate of independent candidates for the 2026 general election.

We can open Arizona elections to true choice

For too long, Arizona’s independent voters and the civic and community leaders who would most represent their concerns have been effectively boxed out of governing. More than a third of Arizona’s voters are registered as independents, yet the rules make it drastically harder for independent candidates to compete. According to the 2024 signature requirements on the Secretary of State’s website, it takes between 6,000-7,000 signatures for a Republican or Democrat to get on the statewide ballot, but nearly 43,000 signatures for an independent. That barrier alone shuts out countless community leaders whose ideas don’t fit neatly into the rigid platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties. Yet, a simple solution to level that playing field has ignited a firestorm of controversy.

OPEN PRIMARIES: Independents are Surging…and independent Veterans are Spoiling for a Fight

America’s veterans still command much credibility across divides. Can independent veterans help lead the way to something new? For our first Primary Buzz of 2026, we’re introducing you to leaders on the front lines of this emerging conversation.

NY Monthly Virtual Town Hall

Each month, New York Forwardists across the state meet on Google Meets to hear from a partner organization, a potential endorsed candidate, or to discuss a relevant topic. Open discussion follows. E-mail Erik to join: [email protected]! 

NY Forward Monthly Happy Hour

Come join us on the second Tuesday of each month as New York Forwardists gather in Midtown Manhattan to chat politics and hang out casually. All are welcome!

National Volunteer Call

Please join our head of volunteer engagement, Carrie Anne, for a 30-minute rundown of all things Forward Party! Meet other volunteers, hear what's happening in the committees and other states, and stay abreast of party news. This call is for any level of volunteer in any state, and is a great starting point if this is your first time getting involved! Zoom meeting link will be sent after you RSVP.

The Power of Your Story

This event is a practical, introductory session designed for those who are curious about running for office, actively running, or supporting Forward-aligned candidates. The event will feature Lauren Pinkston, an independent candidate for Governor of Tennessee, who will share how she is using her personal story as a core part of her digital campaign and how candidates at any level can apply those strategies in their own races.

Hosts Caroline Anderson and moderator Kayla Sullivan will bring their firsthand campaign experience to the conversation, highlighting key lessons learned, offering guidance for navigating a run for office, and discussing how campaign teams can effectively elevate a candidate’s story through digital media to build authentic connections with voters.

Contrary to what our detractors on social media say, YES, we read!

What ICE’s Recklessness Teaches Us About Real Policing

The illegitimate Minneapolis surge gives municipal departments an opportunity to demonstrate what legitimacy looks like.