Independent Statewide Candidates in Five States Might Win in November 2018

Thanks to Richard Winger of Ballot Access News for this post.

Previously No More than Two Independents been Elected to Statewide Office around the Nation in any One Election year. But in 2018, it is likely that Five States will Elect Statewide Independents.

In 1936, Two Statewide Independents were Elected: William Langer, Governor of North Dakota; and George Norris, U.S. Senator for Nebraska.

In 2006 and 2012, Two States, Elected Statewide Independents, in each Case to the U.S. Senate. Those States were:

Connecticut and Vermont in 2006

Maine and Vermont in 2012

In 2018 the States are:

Alaska - Governor Bill Walker (I) is running for Re-Election, again as an Independent. Polls show him currently in Third Place, with about 25% of the Vote, but the Polls are not very meaningful at this point because no one even knows who the Republican Nominee will be. Their Primary is August 21st.

California - No Polls seem to have been held to determine whether Steve Poizner will Win his Race for Insurance Commissioner as an Independent. He is running against State Senator Ricardo Lara (D). Poizner held the Insurance job in the past, so he is well-known, and personally Wealthy.

Maine - Angus King (I) will run for Re-Election to the Senate as an Independent, and he is expected to Win. He will benefit from Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV), which will be in effect in his Race.

North Dakota - Secretary of State Al Jaeger (R) is running for Re-Election as an Independent. Jaeger was Elected to the Office in 1992, and Re-Elected in 1996, 2000, 2006, 2010, and 2014.

Vermont - Bernie Sanders (I) will run for Re-Election as an Independent to the U.S. Senate, and he is expected to Win.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker