Independent Party of Oregon


The Independent Party of Oregon is a centrist political party in the U.S. state of Oregon with more than 140,000 registrants since its inception in January 2007. The IPO is Oregon's third-largest political party and the first political party other than the Democratic Party and Republican Party to be recognized by the state of Oregon as a major political party.
Since 2009, the party has had multiple city and local officials elected as members. In 2021, State Senator Brian Boquist, a former Republican, became the only Independent member of the state legislature.
Positioned as a public-interest alternative for independent voters, the IPO has mostly cross-nominated candidates of different parties, in addition to nominating their own. As opposed to an ideological stance, the party's platform has advocated campaign finance regulation and elections reforms while also prioritizing issues such as the environment and the economy.

History

The Independent Party was formed by voter petition in 2006, after House Bill 2614, a law that made it more difficult for non-affiliated candidates to run for public office in Oregon, was enacted in 2005 by the Oregon State Legislature. The same Legislature who passed this law also disallowed non-affiliated candidates from being labeled as "independent" on ballots, freeing up the name for use by the Independent Party. IPO co-chair Dan Meek was one of two people to publicly testify in the Oregon legislature against both bills. Meek and Party Secretary Sal Peralta also lobbied in favor of repealing HB 2614, which was repealed at the end of the 2009 legislative session. The party also cited the end of Ben Westlund's campaign for governor as being due to the legal barriers he faced as an independent candidate.
The IPO is not to be confused with a previous Independent Party that existed in Oregon during the legislative election in 1874. The party was affiliated with the Granger movement and campaigned on an anti-monopoly platform, receiving support from progressives and the press. For a brief period, the party held a 23-seat plurality in the State House, and formed a coalition with the Democrats before later disbanding.

2007

The IPO was certified by state elections officials on January 24, 2007. The IPO criticized former Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury for refusing to print new voter registration cards that would include that party as a choice. A representative of Bradbury's stated the decision was based on the cost of printing new registration cards, rather than any intent to harm a party.

2008

The IPO ran eight of its own candidates and cross-nominated four major party candidates in the 2008 election, including Democrats Jeff Merkley and Ben Westlund, and Vicki Berger, a Republican. Merkley was nominated by the party after John Frohnmayer, former Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, withdrew his Independent candidacy. Joel Haugen, a Republican who won the Republican primary in the First Congressional District with more than 70% of the vote was cross-nominated by the Independent Party. The Party asked the Secretary of State to enforce existing Oregon law and allow Haugen to appear on the ballot as a "Republican, Independent." The Secretary of State refused. After the Independent Party, joined by the Working Families Party, lost a circuit court decision that would have allowed Haugen to appear on the ballot as "Republican, Independent," Haugen decided to abandon the Republican nomination so he could appear on the ballot as "Independent". The result was that there was no "Republican" candidate on the ballot for the 1st Congressional District of Oregon. The parties withdrew their appeal of the Secretary of State's decision, after the Oregon legislature passed SB 326, which repealed some earlier restrictions on non-affiliated candidates and allowed for "fusion lite" voting
The party recognized Waldport mayor Herman Welch as the first Independent Party member to hold public office. Other Independents to hold local office are Robert Brundage of Sublimity, Soso Nedjeljko of Butte Falls, and Wayne Rofinot of Warren.

2009

The IPO played a significant role in passing legislation to allow a form of Fusion voting, a reform that allows candidates to list multiple party nominations on the Oregon ballot, and helped repeal the 2006 statute that made it difficult for non-affiliated candidates to run for public office.

2010

The IPO became the first political party in the United States to conduct a binding statewide Primary Election entirely over the internet. 86 candidates participated in the election. Former Governor John Kitzhaber, a Democrat, won the party's nomination in a three-person race. 30 Republicans, 28 Democrats, 3 Independents, and a Libertarian were nominated by the party. The election was the largest nominating process ever held by an Oregon minor political party.

2011

The Oregon legislature drew condemnation from five Oregon newspaper editorial boards and from two former Secretaries of State for considering legislation that would have forced the Independent Party of Oregon to change its name by the end of the year or disband.

2015

Mistaken members controversy

In March, as the Independent Party began meeting the requirements of major party status, the Democratic Party of Oregon sponsored a survey of 400 IPO members questioning if they originally intended to register with the party. The results found 46% did not know they were affiliated with the party, with 24% believing they were registered as an unaffiliated voter. When asked if they were to register again, only 47% said they would remain IPO members. The Oregon Democrat and Republican parties issued a joint press release on the poll, questioning about the party's status.
IPO officials rejected the poll, with party secretary Sal Peralta claiming the Democrats and Republicans feeling threatened by their growth. Co-chairman Dan Meek accused the DPO as "quite ready to attack and destroy any new party that seeks to compete with them", pointing to the poll as the most recent attack against the party, 4 years after a bill was introduced threatening them to disassemble. In response, the Independent Party released its own poll showing 11% of Oregon voters self-affiliate with the party, and 80% stating they would join or consider voting for candidates of the party. 5 months later, the Secretary of State announced the IPO had qualified as a major party in Oregon.

2021

In 2021, Oregon State Senator Brian Boquist left the Republican Party and joined the Independent Party. Sen. Boquist had previously described himself a 'Constitutional Republican' before leaving the party in mid-January. He has said other legislators have expressed a similar desire to switch parties in order to reach common ground. Following this, Sen. Art Robinson announced he would cease caucusing with the Senate GOP, and instead meet to strategize with Sen. Boquist. However in September 2023, Boquist would register as a Republican in his state senate race, leaving the Independent party without any state-level representation.

Growth

The Independent Party of Oregon is one of the largest minor political parties in the United States. From its inception in January 2007 through September 2011, the party added more than 90,000 members, making it the third largest political party in Oregon. From January 2007 to December 2010, its members accounted for approximately 40 percent of the net growth in the Oregon electorate.
In August 2015, the IPO qualified under Oregon law as a major party with 109,300 members. As a major party, they were provided state-funding for primaries. In 2019, the party returned to minor party status reportedly due to the automatic voter registration law increasing the unaffiliated voter count. This subsequently decreased the party's share of the voter population to below the 5% major party threshold. Despite this, the party has continued to grow since it was qualified as a major party.
Briefly during 2023, the Independent Party was one of a few third-parties in the U.S. to have an incumbent party member in a state legislature. Among city councilors, county commissioners, and mayors in the state, 6.5% as of 2020 are IPO members. In August 2015, The Portland Tribune identified 34 non-partisan local office holders as IPO members.
CountyRegistered Independent Voters
Baker5.45%
Benton4.94%
Clackamas5.12%
Clatsop5.02%
Columbia4.7%
Coos5.19%
Crook5.34%
Curry5.97%
Deschutes5.96%
Douglas5.12%
Gilliam4.81%
Grant5.16%
Harney4.71%
Hood River4.49%
Jackson5.2%
Jefferson5.03%
Josephine5.08%
Klamath5.09%
Lake4.56%
Lane4.81%
Lincoln5.23%
Linn5.14%
Malhuer3.29%
Marion4.63%
Morrow4.41%
Multnomah3.62%
Polk5.11%
Sherman4.19%
Tillamook4.71%
Umatilla4.23%
Union4.93%
Wallowa4.5%
Wasco4.63%
Washington4.55%
Wheeler4.56%
Yamhill5.18%

Platform

The Independent Party of Oregon describes their party as a platform for independent voters to have a voice in government as an informed, non-tribalistic voting block promoting a public-interest alternative. The party does not adhere to an ideology, instead they support candidates of a variety of positions who support their values. To assemble a platform, the Independent Party surveys their members on their priorities for the state, using public opinion information and academic research. In the party's 2020-21 platform introduction, they state:
"Our party’s growth is driven by a widespread belief that our government, and especially our legislative process, primarily serve the interests of self-interested, non-representative groups of special interests...Our intent and hope is to serve as a source of gravity for policies that serve the public interest and as a counter to the polarization, cynicism and anger that are becoming resonant in our current political culture."

According to its bylaws, the Independent Party of Oregon holds a number of initiatives. The party wants to increase voter participation and involvement. It advocates reform in specific areas of government, wanting to reduce the advantage of incumbency and the influence of campaign contributions on politicians and policy decisions. As of 2021, they have emphasized the environment, public health, the economy, and governmental reform as policy areas to address. The party hopes to achieve this through fiscally sound transparent decisions that create a taxation system that benefits all Oregonians.

Individual rights

The Independent Party promotes a "modern understanding" of rights enumerated in the U.S. and Oregon constitution. They also value the unenumerated rights outlined in the Ninth Amendment, to which they include the right to "speak, to vote freely, to marry, and to make intimate medical and family planning decisions without government interference."
The party supports state laws and amendments to protect existing constitutional protections that may be violated at the federal level. However, the IPO opposes local gun laws that prevent officials from enforcing state or federal law.

Governmental reform

The IPO has led multiple efforts for campaign finance reform in the state, including 2020 [Oregon Ballot Measure 107|Measure 107] in 2020, which passed with 78% of the vote.
The party seeks to either eliminate or open the partisan primaries in Oregon. Previously, the IPO came out against a 2014 measure that would implement a top-two open primary in the state, arguing that it would destroy minor parties and reduce voter choices. The party supports voting systems like ranked-choice voting and STAR voting. The party also advocates petitions in the state to go through an initiative primary, a system that would have measures be voted on in the May primary, with those receiving a majority approval advancing to the November election.
The Independent Party endorsed the effort to turn over Portland's city commission government in favor of multi-member commissioner districts and ranked-choice voting.

Education

The party seeks more mental healthcare training for community providers. The IPO also urges a greater investment in regional vocational Career Technical Education centers for essential jobs, as well as more funding in the STEM fields.

Environment

The IPO supports reducing emissions that cause climate change to strengthen communities from climate threats. The party opposes the excessive use of water many livestock and animal rearing facilities extract, and their damaging effort on the surrounding area. The party supports the preservation and restoration of habitats and state forests, as well as further protection from climate change.

Organization

As prescribed by Oregon statutes governing minor political parties, the party comprises all registered voters designating their party affiliation as Independent. In accordance with party bylaws, the party consists of members and supporting members. A five-person state council of officers, and at-large delegates elected by the party membership, is responsible for conducting the day-to-day affairs of the party. Candidates are nominated in caucuses, the members of which are supporting members of the party, elected by the party's full membership.

Officers

  • Co-Chair: Linda Williams
  • Co-Chair: Dan Meek
  • Co Chair:
  • Secretary: Sal Peralta
  • Treasurer: Joan Horton
  • State Council Member: Drew Kaza
  • Nominating Caucus: Travis Diskin

    2008 election

The Independent Party became the first Oregon minor political party in more than 80 years to cross-nominate major party candidates for public office. Its candidates generally fared better than other minor party candidates in terms of votes garnered. Joel Haugen received 19% of the vote in a five-candidate race for the U.S. House of Representatives in the first congressional district. State legislative candidates Terry Rilling, Pete Belcastro, and Keith Wangle garnered 40%, 44%, and 30% of the vote respectively in their races for the Oregon House of Representatives. Independent Party member Jim Torrey was defeated by incumbent mayor Kitty Piercy in Eugene's non-partisan mayoral election, 48.8% to 47.4%.
RaceCandidatePartyNotesVotes
U.S. SenateJeff MerkleyCross-nominated DemocraticDefeated incumbent Gordon Smith864,392
Oregon State TreasurerBen WestlundCross-nominated DemocraticDefeated Allen Alley847,590
U.S. House of Representatives, CD1Joel HaugenIndependent RepublicanLost to incumbent David Wu58,279
State Representative, HD4Keith WangleIndependentLost to incumbent Dennis Richardson8,053
State Representative, HD5Pete BelcastroIndependentLost to incumbent Peter Buckley11,653
State Representative, HD18Jim GilbertCross-nominated DemocraticLost to incumbent Vic Gilliam11,702
State Representative, HD20Vicki BergerCross-nominated RepublicanDefeated Richard Riggs15,829
State Representative, HD29Terry RillingIndependentLost to incumbent Chuck Riley7,321

Other candidates: Stephen Bradley, Col. Dale Potter, Ken Wick. The party also endorsed Kate Brown for Secretary of State.

2010 election

In July, 2010, the Independent Party of Oregon became the first Oregon political party to conduct a primary election at its own expense in more than 100 years; the first Oregon political party ever to conduct a binding primary election entirely over the internet; and the first Oregon minor political party to conduct a primary election. More than 2,000 Independent Party members voted in the election, which involved 77 candidates, including 39 Democrats, 32 Republicans, a Libertarian and Green Party|Green]. Although being the largest nominating process held by a minor political party in Oregon, only 4% of its members voted in the primary. This low turnout was possibly the result of members having to receive a mailed passcode from the party to enter on the internet in order to participate.
Winners of the IPO Primary election included Governor John Kitzhaber and 30 people who served in the Oregon legislature in 2011. Independent Party member Jeff Caton, who ran in House District 48, won 43 percent of the vote. This was the closest a minor party candidate had come to winning federal or state office in Oregon since at least 1932.
RaceCandidatePartyNotesVotes
Oregon GovernorJohn KitzhaberCross-nominated DemocratDefeated Chris Dudley716,525
U.S. House of Representatives Jeff LawrenceCross-nominated LibertarianLost to Earl Blumenauer8,380
U.S. House of Representatives Art RobinsonCross-nominated RepublicanLost to Pete DeFazio129,877
U.S. House of Representatives Scott BruunCross-nominated RepublicanLost to Kurt Schrader130,313
State Representative, HD1Wayne Krieger*Cross-nominated RepublicanDefeated Eldon Rollins18,115
State Representative, HD3Wally HicksCross-nominated RepublicanDefeated Barbara Gonzales16,054
State Representative, HD9Arnie Roblan*Cross-nominated DemocratDefeated R. Scott Roberts12,094
State Representative, HD10Jean Cowan*Cross-nominated DemocratDefeated Becky Lemler14,475
State Representative, HD11Phil Barnhart*Cross-nominated DemocratDefeated Kelly Lovelace15,244
State Representative, HD13Nancy Nathanson*Cross-nominated DemocratDefeated Bill Young15,967
State Representative, HD14Kevin ProciwIndependentLost to Val Hoyle*1,078
State Representative, HD15Bud LaurentCross-nominated DemocratLost to Andy Olson*7,901
State Representative, HD16Rose CookCross-nominated RepublicanLost to Sara Gelser*7,096
State Representative, HD20Vicki Berger*Cross-nominated RepublicanDefeated Mike Powers15,143
State Representative, HD21Marvin SannesCross-nominated RepublicanLost to Brian Clem*6,494
State Representative, HD22Betty Komp*Cross-nominated DemocratDefeated Kathy LeCompte6,083
State Representative, HD23Jim Thompson*Cross-nominated RepublicanDefeated Wesley West16,371
State Representative, HD24Susan Sokol-BlosserCross-nominated DemocratLost to Jim Weidner*11,380
State Representative, HD26Matt Wingard*Cross-nominated RepublicanDefeated Sandy Webb16,362
State Representative, HD27Tobias Read*Cross-nominated DemocratDefeated Dan Lucas15,398
State Representative, HD29Katie RileyCross-nominated DemocratLost to Katie Eyre Brewer8,009
State Representative, HD30Shawn LindsayCross-nominated RepublicanDefeated Doug Ainge12,501
State Representative, HD31Ed DeCosteCross-nominated RepublicanLost to Brad Witt*10,300
State Representative, HD32Deborah Boone*Cross-nominated DemocratDefeated Lew Barnes12,977
State Representative, HD35Gordon FiddesCross-nominated RepublicanLost to Margaret Doherty*9,864
State Representative, HD37Will RasmussenCross-nominated DemocratLost to Julie Parrish12,982
State Representative, HD39Bill Kennemer*Cross-nominated RepublicanDefeated Alice Norris14,284
State Representative, HD40Dave Hunt*Cross-nominated DemocratDefeated Deborah Gerritzen12,500
State Representative, HD41Carolyn Tomei*Cross-nominated DemocratDefeated Hugo Schulz17,092
State Representative, HD46Ben Cannon*Cross-nominated DemocratDefeated Russell Turner18,418
State Representative, HD48Jeff CatonIndependentLost to Mike Schaufler*7,246
State Representative, HD50Cheryl MyersCross-nominated DemocratLost to Patrick Sheehan10,330
State Representative, HD52Mark JohnsonCross-nominated RepublicanDefeated Suzanne Vanorman*14,012
State Representative, HD54Jason CongerCross-nominated RepublicanDefeated Judy Stiegler*16,391
State Representative, HD56Bill Garrard*Cross-nominated Republicanuncontested15,402
State Representative, HD59John Huffman*Cross-nominated RepublicanDefeated Will Boettner15,033

  • denotes incumbent

    2014 election

More Republicans were cross-nominated by the party in this election year compared to the last. Despite previously endorsing Kitzhaper for governor in 2010, Republican Dennis Richardson instead won the primary with 62% of the vote. Voter turnout was lower in the primary, with only 1,140 of members participating.
RaceCandidatePartyNotesVotes
U.S. SenateJeff MerkleyCross-nominated Democratdefeated Monica Wehby814,537
U.S. House of Representatives James BuchalCross-nominated Republicanlost to Earl Blumenauer57,424
GovernorDennis RichardsonCross-nominated Republicanlost to John Kitzhaper648,542
State Senator, SD3Dave DottererCross-nominated Republicanlost to Alan Bates23,700
State Senator, SD10Jackie WintersCross-nominated Republicanunopposed38,129
State Senator, SD13Kim ThatcherCross-nominated Republicandefeated Ryan Howard27,638
State Senator, SD16Drew KazaIndependentlost to Betsy Johnson6,603
State Senator, SD17Elizabeth HaywardCross-nominated Democratdefeated John Verbeek30,677
State Senator, SD20Alan OlsenCross-nominated Republicandefeated Jamie Damon26,750
State Senator, SD26Chuck ThomsenCross-nominated Republicandefeated Richard Bruce24,422
State Representative, HD10David GombergCross-nominated Democratunopposed 16,681
State Representative, HD22Matt GeigerCross-nominated Republicanlost to Betty Komp5,329
State Representative, HD24Ken MooreCross-nominated Democratlost to Jim Weidner10,845
State Representative, HD25Chuck SmithIndependentlost to Bill Post9,574
State Representative, HD26John DavisCross-nominated Republicandefeated Eric Squires13,546
State Representative, HD30Joe GallegosCross-nominated Democratdefeated Dan Mason10,426
State Representative, HD39Bill KennemerCross-nominated Republicanunopposed20,041
State Representative, HD46Alissa Keny-GuyerCross-nominated Democratunopposed17,930
State Representative, HD51Jodi BaileyCross-nominated RepublicanLost to Shemia Fagan9,450
State Representative, HD52Mark JohnsonCross-nominated Republicandefeated Stephanie Nystrom13,014
State Representative, HD54Knute BuehlerCross-nominated Republicandefeating Craig Wilhelm10,876

2016 election

The 2016 election was the first election where the IPO had a state-funded primary as a major party. In total, 45,875 voters participated in the May primary, of which 20,660 were non-affiliated voters who had requested a ballot in their open primary. This was a higher voter turnout compared to the minor parties in the state, yet lower compared to the Democrat and Republican primaries.
Chris Telfer, a certified public accountant, city council member, and former Republican state senator, was nominated by the party for state treasurer. Despite receiving endorsements from fellow state senators and The Oregonian editorial board, Telfer received 176,892 of the vote, losing to Tobias Read. The Independent Party nominated Cliff Thomason as their candidate in the 2016 gubernatorial election. Netting 2.44% of the popular vote. The party did not nominate another 2016 presidential candidate after their endorsed candidate Bernie Sanders dropped out of the Democratic Party presidential primaries">Democratic Party (United States)">Democratic Party presidential primaries.
RaceCandidatePartyNotesVotes
U.S. SenateSteven Cody ReynoldsIndependentLost to incumbent Ron Wyden59,516
U.S. House of Representatives Suzanne BonamiciCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Brian Heinrich225,391
U.S. House of Representatives Greg WaldenCross-Nominated RepublicanDefeated Jim Crary272,952
U.S. House of Representatives David W. WalkerIndependentLost to incumbent Earl Blumenauer78,154
U.S. House of Representatives Peter DeFazioCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Art Robinson220,628
Oregon GovernorCliff ThomasonIndependentLost to incumbent Kate Brown47,481
Oregon Secretary of StatePaul Damian WellsIndependentLost to Dennis Richardson66,210
Oregon State TreasurerChris TelferIndependentLost to Tobias Read176,892
State Representative, HD1David Brock SmithCross-Nominated RepublicanDefeated Terry Brayer20,212
State Representative, HD3Carl WilsonCross-Nominated RepublicanDefeated Tom Johnson21,957
State Representative, HD4Duane StarkCross-Nominated Republicanuncontested21,957
State Representative, HD5Pam MarshCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Steven Richie22,440
State Representative, HD6Sal EsquivelCross-Nominated RepublicanDefeated Mike Moran15,931
State Representative, HD7Fergus McleanIndependentLost to Cedric Ross Hayden3,116
State Representative, HD9Caddy McKeownCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Teri Grier15,346
State Representative, HD10David GombergCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Thomas Donahue17,499
State Representative, HD11Joe PotworaCross-Nominated RepublicanLost to Phil Barnhart17,298
State Representative, HD15Andy OlsonCross-Nominated RepublicanDefeated Cynthia Hyatt25,175
State Representative, HD17Jeffrey D GoodwinIndependentLost to Sherrie Sprenger6,113
State Representative, HD20Paul EvansCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Laura Morett17,408
State Representative, HD21Alvin KlausenIndependentLost to Brian Clem1,420
State Representative, HD23Jim ThompsonIndependentLost to Mike Nearman12,370
State Representative, HD24Ron NobleCross-Nominated RepublicanDefeated Ken Moore17,065
State Representative, HD25Bill PostCross-Nominated RepublicanDefeated Sharon Freeman18,545
State Representative, HD26Ray ListerCross-Nominated DemocratLost to Richard Vail15,365
State Representative, HD27Sheri MalstromCross-Nominated Democratuncontested22,504
State Representative, HD28Jeff BarkerCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Gary Carlson17,107
State Representative, HD29Susan McLainCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Juanita Lint14,248
State Representative, HD30Dan MasonCross-Nominated RepublicanLost to Janeen Sollman15,336
State Representative, HD31Brad WittCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Robert Miller24,658
State Representative, HD32Deborah BooneCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Bruce Brobek18,540
State Representative, HD33Mitch GreenlickCross Nominated DemocratDefeated John Verbeek24,466
State Representative, HD34Donald HerschiserIndependentLost to Ken Helm9,875
State Representative, HD35Jessica CosineauIndependentLost to Margaret Doherty11,752
State Representative, HD36Jennifer WilliamsonCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Amanda Burnham28,875
State Representative, HD37Julie ParrishCross-Nominated RepublicanLost to Paul Southwick18,971
State Representative, HD38Ann LiningerCross Nominated DemocratDefeated Patrick De Klotz26,675
State Representative, HD39Bill KennemerCross-Nominated RepublicanDefeated Charles Gallia22,160
State Representative, HD40Mark MeekCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Evon Tekorius16,282
State Representative, HD41Karin PowerCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Timothy E. McMenamin24,589
State Representative, HD42James StubbsIndependentLost to Rob Nosse2,459
State Representative, HD43Tawna SanchezCross-Nominated Democratuncontested31,052
State Representative, HD44Tina KotekCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Joe Roe23,288
State Representative, HD45Barbara Smith WarnerCross-Nominated Democratuncontested24,843
State Representative, HD47Michael LangleyIndependentLost to Diego Hernandez7,025
State Representative, HD48Jeff ReardonCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated George Yellot15,154
State Representative, HD49Chris GorsekCross-Nominated Democratuncontested16,075
State Representative, HD50Michael CalcagnoIndependentLost to Carla Piluso4,433
State Representative, HD51Lori Chavez-DeRemerCross-Nominated RepublicanLost to Janelle Bynum13,746
State Representative, HD52Mark JohnsonCross-Nominated RepublicanDefeated Mark Reynolds17,582
State Representative, HD53Gene WhisnantCross-Nominated RepublicanDefeated Michael Graham24,425
State Representative, HD54Knute BuehlerCross-Nominated RepublicanDefeated Gena Goodman-Campbell19,352
State Representative, HD55Mike McLaneCross-Nominated RepublicanDefeated Brie Malarkey24,693
State Representative, HD56Al SwitzerCross-Nominated DemocratLost to Werner Reschke10,882
State Representative, HD57Greg SmithCross-Nominated Republicanuncontested17,432
State Representative, HD58Greg BarretoCross-Nominated Republicanuncontested23,010
State Representative, HD59John HuffmanCross-Nominated RepublicanDefeated Tyler Gabriel21,392
State Representative, HD60Cliff BentzCross-Nominated Republicanuncontested22,339

2018 election

In the 2018 Oregon Gubernatorial Election, the Independent Party nominated freelance cabinet-maker Patrick Starnes despite Democratic incumbent Kate Brown and Republican Knute Buehler making efforts to win the party's cross-nomination. Starnes was elected twice to the Douglas Education Service District, and once to the McKenzie School Board. Co-Chair Rob Harris opposed the nomination, choosing to instead support Knute Buehler. In late October, Starnes dropped out and endorsed Gov. Kate Brown for her re-election, this action was not backed by the party. Despite having ended his campaign, Patrick Starnes received 2.86% of the popular vote in the November election.
Marc Koller, a retired corporate executive and former president of a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned business, ran against Rep. Earl Blumenauer. Koller campaigned on a progressive platform, promoting medicare for all and free college tuition. In the general election as a nominee of the Independent and Pacific Green parties, he received 21,352 votes. In addition, investor and truck driver Mark Roberts was nominated as congressional candidate for District 2, running on a message of revitalizing the forest industry and raising wages. Roberts received attention and condemnation from U.S. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy for sexual comments he made about First Lady Melania Trump on Twitter. Despite the tweets he made during his campaign, he ended up receiving 4.2% of the vote.
RaceCandidatePartyNotesVotes
U.S. House of Representatives Suzanne BonamiciCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated John Verbeek231,198
U.S. House of Representatives Mark R. RobertsIndependentLost to Greg Walden15,536
U.S. House of Representatives Marc KollerIndependentLost to Earl Blumenauer21,352
U.S. House of Representatives Peter DeFazioCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Art Robinson208,710
U.S. House of Representatives Kurt SchraderCross-Nominated DemocratDefeated Mark Callahan197,187
Oregon GovernorPatrick StarnesIndependentLost to Kate Brown53,392

2020 election

The Independent Party nominated Joe Biden for 2020 United States Presidential election. However, Biden only had the Democratic Party nomination listed on the ballot.