19 Independent Candidates Announce Coalition to Break Two-Party Control

The Independent Candidate Network aims to secure 5-10 House seats and push legislative reforms.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A coalition of 19 independent candidates running for U.S. House seats announced plans to coordinate efforts to secure 5-10 seats in 2026 and deny either major party unilateral control of Congress. The Independent Candidate Network will detail three specific legislative reforms designed to restore House floor procedures, eliminate power concentration in party leadership, and build working coalitions around policy substance rather than partisan identity.

Why it matters

With congressional approval at just 20%, the ICN believes the two-party framework itself is the structural dysfunction preventing meaningful legislative progress. By electing a bloc of independent candidates, the coalition aims to shift the balance of power and force reforms to the partisan gridlock in Congress.

The details

The Independent Candidate Network currently consists of 19 candidates running for U.S. House seats who believe the two-party system has become incapable of delivering legislative results. The coalition will hold a press conference on March 3rd to detail their strategic objectives and proposed reforms, including restoring House floor procedures, reducing party leadership power, and encouraging policy-driven coalitions.

  • The press conference will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST.
  • One hour of media availability will follow the press conference.

The players

Paul Burton

ICN Chairman and candidate for Arizona's 4th Congressional District.

Loren Colin

ICN Vice Chairman and candidate for California's 34th Congressional District.

Karen Ortiz

ICN Board Member and candidate for New York's 12th Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“Party loyalty is a structural problem with policy consequences. We solve for the structure, and policy outcomes improve.”

— Paul Burton, ICN Chairman

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.