How to Run for Office as an Independent in 2026

Running for office as an Independent means running without formal affiliation to a political party. This allows candidates to appear on the ballot without a Democratic or Republican label, depending on state and local election laws. 

However, it also offers a powerful way to serve your community without answering to party leadership or special interests. For many Americans, the two-party system feels limiting or unwelcoming. Even if you care deeply about your neighbors and see problems that aren’t being addressed, the idea of running for office as an Independent can feel like an unwinnable battle. 

But the truth is, Independent candidates have more opportunities to run and win than ever before if they understand how the system works.

From local school boards to statehouses and even Congress, Independents are winning by building real relationships with voters, running values-driven campaigns, and refusing to play by party-first rules. This guide walks you through exactly how to do that.

Step #1: Research and Decide What Office to Run For

The first decision you’ll make is which office to run for. In general, running for local office as an Independent is easier, less expensive, and more accessible than running for state or federal positions, but every state and municipality runs elections differently. 

Because election rules, filing deadlines, and ballot access laws can change from year to year, this guide reflects what Independent candidates need to know heading into the 2026 election cycle.

Some states and offices don’t allow candidates to run without a party label, a requirement known as party qualification. That’s why it’s critical to understand the rules and requirements before committing to a race.

When deciding what office to run for, consider:

• Impact: Federal offices may seem appealing, but most people feel politics most directly at the local and state levels. Think about where your skills, experience, and perspective can make the biggest difference.

• Partisanship: Many local offices are already nonpartisan. In nearly every state, more than 90% of elected offices in 2025 were nonpartisan positions, making them especially accessible to Independent candidates.

• Feasibility: Many local races go uncontested. According to BallotReady, roughly 70% of races voted on in November 2024 were uncontested. That means voters may be actively looking for a new option. You’ll also want to consider campaign costs, timelines, and whether you can build a small but reliable team.

Where to Start Researching

To understand the requirements for running as an Independent, start with the appropriate election authority:

• Local Offices: City or county Board of Elections

• State Offices: State Board of Elections or Secretary of State

• Federal Offices: Federal Election Commission (FEC)

You can also reach out to current elected officials or local clerks. They’re often helpful and surprisingly accessible.

Before choosing an office, make sure you understand:

• Basic qualifications like citizenship, age, and residency

• Signature requirements to appear on the ballot

• Party affiliation rules

• Registration and filing requirements

• Primary election rules, if applicable

• Key filing and election dates

• Campaign finance laws and disclosure rules

• Independent-specific rules, which may differ from the rules for partisan candidates

LEARN MORE: Use GoodParty.org’s free election look-up tool to find positions and elections you can run for in your community. 

Local and County Offices for Independent Candidates

Many local elections are nonpartisan, meaning voters choose candidates based on their experience and values, not their party affiliation.

Common local offices Independents run for include:

• City Council: Shapes local policy, budgets, and public services

• Mayor: Serves as a city’s chief executive and public representative 

• School Board: Oversees school funding, curriculum, and district leadership

• City Treasurer: Manages municipal budgets, taxes, and financial reporting

• County Commissioner: Oversees county services, infrastructure, and budgets

Types of State-Level Offices Independents Can Run For

State-level rules vary widely, but many positions allow Independent candidates to compete.

Examples of elected offices at the state level include:

• Governor: Oversees state agencies, budgets, and legislation

• State Comptroller: Manages audits, budgets, and financial oversight

• State Legislature: Proposes and votes on laws affecting the entire state

Always confirm your state’s requirements before getting your heart set on a certain seat. Some states make it more difficult for Independent candidates than others. 

Federal Positions to Run For as an Independent

Federal campaigns are more expensive and resource-intensive, but they are possible.

At the federal level, Independent candidates can run for:

• President of the United States

• U.S. Senate

• U.S. House of Representatives

LEARN MORE: Browse your options with our complete list of every elected office you can run for. 

Step #2: Start Planning Your Path to Candidacy

Once you know the rules and have an office in mind, it’s time to plan your campaign. This includes defining your message, assembling a team, and building a realistic fundraising strategy.

Defining Your Message

Your campaign message should reflect what matters most to you and the people you hope to represent. One of the biggest advantages of running as an Independent is the freedom to lead with your values, without needing to compromise with a defined party platform.

Talking directly with voters in your community will help you understand their concerns and shape a message that resonates.

Independent candidate Tracy Saunders was recently elected as the first female mayor of Port Wentworth, Georgia. She noted that running as an Independent gives you the freedom to broaden your campaign’s message and audience:

“Announcing your party affiliation will immediately alienate about 30 to 40% of voters,” said Saunders. “I was lucky in that, because I am not affiliated with either party, there was a huge group of voters that were willing to listen to what I had to say or read the information.”

LEARN MORE: Learn how to capture your community’s trust regardless of their party ID with a compelling campaign message.

Gathering Your Team

How big your team needs to be depends on:

• Length of your local election season

• District size

• Competitiveness of the race

• Your overall strategy

Many local Independent campaigns start small and grow as momentum builds. Local elections can often get by on a very lean political campaign team, but state-wide and federal races may need more resources.

Fundraising and Financial Management

Campaign finance laws vary by state and office, so understanding the rules early is critical. You’ll need to set up proper financial systems, open a campaign bank account, and track donations and spending carefully.

Many Independent candidates prioritize grassroots fundraising over large donors, allowing them to stay accountable to voters rather than special interests.

Step #3: Navigate the Independent Candidate Filing Process

To run for office as an Independent, you’ll typically need to file a statement of candidacy with the appropriate election authority and pay a filing fee. Fees range widely, from under $100 for local offices to much more for state and federal races.

Most Independent candidates also need to gather and submit signatures from registered voters to qualify for the ballot.

While major-party candidates often rely on party infrastructure, Independents usually:

• Collect signatures themselves

• Recruit volunteers

• Hire professional petitioners (in more competitive races)

Signature gathering often begins 6 to 12 months before election day. This gives you a valuable opportunity to get started with voter outreach. Always follow local rules closely. Invalid signatures can disqualify your campaign.

Step #4: Kick Off Your Independent Campaign

Once you’re officially on the ballot, it’s time to campaign.

To run an effective campaign as an Independent candidate, you’ll need to: 

• Do door-to-door canvassing in your district 

• Engage voters in person and online

• Attend debates, community events, town halls, and forums

• Expand your reach with social media

• Gather volunteers, supporters, and donors

• Raise funds strategically

• Place political advertisements on social media, with yard signs, or on TV

Running without party backing can be challenging, but it also allows you to build broader coalitions. 

“I think the biggest challenge of running as an Independent is that you don't have built-in big party support,” said Saunders. “Being able to pull in supporters from both parties is a benefit, but it is much harder since you don't have that built-in support system.”

LEARN MORE: Keep yourself on track with our political campaign checklist.

Why Run for Office as an Independent and Why It Works

Running for office as an Independent isn’t just about avoiding party politics. It’s about choosing a different way to lead that puts your community first.

Independent candidates aren’t bound by party platforms, donor expectations, or internal politics. That freedom allows you to focus on real local issues, build coalitions across ideological lines, and earn support based on your ideas.

For many candidates, the decision to run Independent starts with a simple desire to help. 

“I really wanted to serve my community,” said Kamal Alswafy, who recently won his city council election in Dearborn, Michigan. “I was in a position before asking council members and other government officials for support, but I wanted to be in a position to actually provide that support.”

Running as an Independent does come with challenges: You won’t have built-in party infrastructure, and ballot access and fundraising can require extra effort. 

However, Independent candidates also have real advantages. According to Gallup, 43% of Americans identify as politically Independent. Simply put, voters are hungry for alternatives to the two-party system.

If you’re considering taking the leap, you don’t have to do it alone. GoodParty.org offers free and low-cost tools, resources, and support designed specifically for Independent candidates, so you can run a competitive campaign without sacrificing your values.

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