Arizona Independent Party Fights Bill That Would Ban Its Name

Gubernatorial candidate Hugh Lytle and other party members say the proposed legislation is an attempt to stifle voter choice.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Arizona Independent Party, formerly known as the No Labels Party, is challenging a new bill that would restrict the use of the word "independent" in political party names. The party's gubernatorial candidate, Hugh Lytle, and other members say the Republican-sponsored legislation is an attempt to limit political options for the growing number of independent voters in the state.

Why it matters

The proposed bill highlights the ongoing tensions between the two-party system and the rising number of independent voters in Arizona and across the country. If passed, the legislation could impact Lytle's campaign for governor and make it more difficult for alternative political parties to gain traction.

The details

The bill, SB 1609, would prohibit new political parties from using words like "unaffiliated," "independent," or "no party" in their names. Lytle and other party members argue this is an attempt to stifle voter choice, as more Americans are registering as independents. They also say the bill's "emergency" designation, which would make it take effect immediately, is questionable.

  • The Arizona Independent Party was formerly known as the No Labels Party until December 2025.
  • The proposed legislation, SB 1609, includes an "emergency measure" that would make it take effect immediately if signed into law.

The players

Hugh Lytle

The gubernatorial candidate for the Arizona Independent Party and a former Arizona State University quarterback.

Paul Johnson

The chairman of the Arizona Independent Party and a former mayor of Phoenix who switched from being a Democrat to an independent.

Tomás León

The Hispanic outreach coordinator for Lytle's campaign.

T.J. Shope

The Republican state senator who sponsored SB 1609, the bill that would restrict party names.

Arizona Clean Elections Commission

The commission that previously criticized the Arizona Independent Party's name change, arguing it could lead to voter confusion.

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What they’re saying

“I think that every single citizen, whether you're a Republican, a Democrat, an independent or unaffiliated, should be very, very concerned about this type of legislative behavior.”

— Hugh Lytle, Gubernatorial candidate, Arizona Independent Party (Cronkite News)

“We know independent voters are conservative and liberal, and they're independent in between, but something's happened for them to say that they no longer want to be a part of the two political parties, they want to be known as independents.”

— Paul Johnson, Chairman, Arizona Independent Party (Cronkite News)

“They are not walking away from democracy. They are walking away from a system that tells them they must choose two labels that don't fully represent who they are.”

— Tomás León, Hispanic outreach coordinator, Lytle campaign (Cronkite News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the proposed legislation, SB 1609, to take effect immediately as an "emergency measure".

The takeaway

This dispute over the Arizona Independent Party's name highlights the growing tensions between the two-party system and the rising number of independent voters in the state and across the country. The outcome of this legislation could have significant implications for the future of alternative political parties and voter choice in Arizona.