The Forward Party Podcast

What happens when a sitting member of Congress decides that answering to his constituents matters more than answering to a political party? On this episode of The Forward Party Podcast, hosts Lindsey Drath, Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, and Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey sit down with Congressman Kevin Kiley, who made the unusual decision to leave the Republican Party and run for Congress as an independent.Kiley’s decision was driven by his experience with partisan gridlock and gerrymandering. When California’s redistricting process split his former congressional district into six different pieces, he faced a choice: pursue a newly created safe Republican district or run in a bluer district as an independent. He chose the harder path, arguing that taking advantage of the gerrymander would only contribute to the problem.That decision has already produced a historic result. Kiley finished first in California’s top-two primary, becoming the first independent candidate to reach the top two since the system began in 2012. Now he is campaigning for the general election and trying to demonstrate that an independent member of Congress can win, govern, and represent constituents without being controlled by either major party.During the conversation, Kevin Kiley explains what led him away from the Republican Party, what it feels like to operate in Washington without the protection of a party structure, and why he believes the current rules of the House make it unnecessarily difficult for independent members to serve effectively.Why Kiley believes partisanship has become embedded in CongressHow gerrymandering and redistricting influenced his decision to become independentWhy his primary victory could open a new path for independent candidatesHow a small group of independents could gain leverage in the HouseWhy House rules could change to give independents access to committee assignmentsWhat Kiley learned about the psychological toll of partisan conflictWhy voters across party lines want representatives who answer directly to constituentsThe hosts also explore the role of The Forward Party in helping independent candidates compete in a political system built around Democrats and Republicans. Kiley describes discovering the movement after deciding to leave the GOP and explains why he sees value in building a political platform that provides independent candidates with fundraising, campaign resources, voter information, technology, and support.For Kiley, independence is not about refusing to work with either party. It is about having the freedom to consider each issue on its merits and make decisions based on what he believes is best for his district and the country. He points to healthcare, cost of living, congressional rules, and electoral reform as areas where bipartisan agreement may already exist among voters and members of Congress, even when party leadership prevents that agreement from becoming policy.This episode offers a close look at independent politics, congressional reform, gerrymandering, political polarization, and the future of American representation through the experience of someone currently inside the system. Kiley’s story raises a larger question: what could Congress look like if more elected officials had the freedom to answer to their constituents first?To stay connected with The Forward Party Podcast, follow the podcast on your preferred podcast platform, listen to future episodes, and share the conversation with people interested in independent politics, political reform, and a different approach to governing. Engage with the hosts and The Forward Party through their social channels and continue the conversation about building a political system that gives voters more meaningful choices.

In this episode, Lindsey Drath is joined by Governor Christine Todd Whitman and Lt. Governor Kerry Healey for an engaging conversation with Bob Chew, an independent U.S. Senate candidate from Colorado, and Todd Achilles, an independent U.S. Senate candidate from Idaho. Together, they explore the growing movement to challenge America's two-party political system and examine how independent candidates could reshape the future of the U.S. Senate.At the center of the discussion is the Fulcrum Strategy, an approach that suggests a small group of independent senators could hold the balance of power in a closely divided Senate. Instead of being tied to either major political party, these senators could negotiate with both sides, encouraging bipartisan cooperation while giving greater attention to issues that voters believe have been ignored.Rather than campaigning on party loyalty, Bob Chew and Todd Achilles explain why they believe independent leadership creates opportunities to solve problems through collaboration instead of partisan politics. They discuss how narrowly divided Senate majorities could allow independent lawmakers to influence committee assignments, legislative priorities, and meaningful policy negotiations.Drawing from their military service and professional careers, both guests explain how leadership, accountability, and public service have influenced their campaigns. Their experiences highlight why many Americans are looking beyond traditional political pathways in search of candidates who value practical solutions, constitutional principles, and service before party.The conversation also examines how voters in Colorado and Idaho are responding to independent candidates. While each state has its own political identity, both guests argue that many voters identify as independents or have grown frustrated with increasing political polarization. They share why they believe there is growing demand for candidates willing to work across party lines.Throughout the episode, the panel discusses some of the country's biggest challenges, including congressional gridlock, balanced budgets, housing affordability, immigration reform, the national debt, entitlement programs, campaign finance reform, election reform, and restoring confidence in government. Rather than focusing on political sound bites, the discussion emphasizes long-term solutions and productive governance.Governor Christine Todd Whitman and Lt. Governor Kerry Healey also offer valuable insights from their own public service, sharing advice on campaigning, leadership, and connecting with voters. Their perspectives reinforce the importance of listening, optimism, and local engagement while encouraging candidates to remain focused on serving their communities.In this episode you'll hear about:The Fulcrum Strategy and how independent senators could influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.Why Bob Chew and Todd Achilles chose to run as independent candidates.How military leadership shaped both candidates' approach to public service.Discussions on housing, immigration, campaign finance, term limits, balanced budgets, and the national debt.The role of the Forward Party in supporting independent candidates across the United States.Advice from Governor Christine Todd Whitman and Lt. Governor Kerry Healey on campaigning, leadership, and connecting with voters.We'd also love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments, tell us what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes, and let us know which guests you'd like to hear from next. If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with anyone interested in independent politics, election reform, and the future of the U.S. Senate. Your support helps us continue bringing thoughtful conversations to a wider audience.