Third Party Endorses Candidates in Rochester's Nonpartisan Races

Forward Independence Party backs mayoral and county commissioner candidates in rare local endorsement move.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 12:49am

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The Forward Independence Party, one of Minnesota's minor political parties, has endorsed candidates in two local nonpartisan races in Rochester and Olmsted County. The party is backing Benjamin Zastrow's run for Rochester mayor and Olmsted County Commissioner Bob Hopkins' campaign for re-election, citing the candidates' focus on community and coalition-building over partisan politics.

Why it matters

This is a rare move for a minor political party to endorse candidates in local nonpartisan races, which are typically free of party affiliations. The endorsements highlight the candidates' independent status and the party's desire to elevate candidates who prioritize pragmatic problem-solving over partisan allegiances.

The details

The Forward Independence Party held a press conference to announce the endorsements of Zastrow and Hopkins. Party representative Bill Halter said the party was "attracted to them because they want to build coalitions" and "do not care what that letter is before your name." Zastrow and Hopkins both emphasized their focus on community-oriented, nonpartisan approaches to governing.

  • The Forward Independence Party made the endorsements on March 10, 2026.
  • The filing period for Rochester and Olmsted County races is set to open in about 10 weeks.

The players

Forward Independence Party

One of Minnesota's four minor political parties, the Forward Independence Party is endorsing candidates in local nonpartisan races in an effort to highlight their independent, coalition-building approach.

Benjamin Zastrow

The sole announced candidate so far for the Rochester mayoral seat being vacated by Kim Norton.

Bob Hopkins

The incumbent Olmsted County Commissioner in District 6, who is seeking re-election.

Joe Powers

A local business owner who has announced interest in running for the Rochester mayoral seat, pledging to keep the race nonpartisan.

Bill Halter

A representative of the Forward Independence Party who spoke at the endorsement event.

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What they’re saying

“We were attracted to them because they want to build coalitions. They do not care what that letter is before your name. They want to work with anybody to get results for voters.”

— Bill Halter, Forward Independence Party representative

“I see this as opening up the conversation and welcoming people to the table. I think a lot of people on both sides feel strongly on certain issues, but not about their neighbors.”

— Benjamin Zastrow, Candidate for Rochester mayor

“Even though these offices are nonpartisan, people regularly try to put elected officials, and normally the two boxes they try to put you in are really on the right or the left.”

— Bob Hopkins, Olmsted County Commissioner

“Mine will have nothing to do with a political party, absolutely nothing.”

— Joe Powers

What’s next

With the filing period for Rochester and Olmsted County races set to open in about 10 weeks, it remains to be seen if any other candidates will emerge to challenge Zastrow and Hopkins. The Forward Independence Party says it may consider endorsing additional candidates, but will remain loyal to Zastrow and Hopkins.

The takeaway

This endorsement by a minor political party in a typically nonpartisan local election highlights the growing desire among some voters and candidates to move beyond traditional partisan divides and focus on pragmatic, community-oriented governance. It remains to be seen if this approach will resonate with Rochester and Olmsted County voters.