IVA 2024 CANDIDATES

meet our endorsed independent veteran candidates

These dynamic, dedicated and independent leaders are stepping up to serve again.

These Independent American veterans are on the ballot in towns, cities, and states across the country. From city council to U.S. Senate, find out where to cast your vote, lend your voice, offer a hand, or make a contribution to help them be the change we so desperately need.

Dan Osborn. Navy Veteran. Independent Candidate for US Senate from Nebraska. Osborn is running neck and neck with Republican incumbent Deb Fischer. Fischer is not a veteran and there is no Democrat in the race.

Shelane Etchison. Army Veteran. Independent Candidate for Congress from North Carolina’s 9th District (which includes Fort Liberty/formerly Fort Bragg). Etchison is running against incumbent Republican Richard Hudson and Democrat Nigel Bristow. Neither are veterans.

Travis Endicott. Navy Veteran. Independent Candidate for Mayor of Ridgecrest, California. (Population 27,959, adjacent to Naval Weapons Air Station China Lake). Endicott is running against incumbent Republican Eric Bruen who is not a veteran. There is no Democrat in the race.

Nick Batter. Army Veteran. Independent Candidate for Nebraska State Legislature, District #13. Omaha, Nebraska. Batter is running against Democrat Ashlei Spivey who is not a veteran. There is no Republican in the race.

Tyrell Hicks. Marine Corps Veteran. Independent Candidate for Florida State House, District #68. Plant City, Florida. Hicks is running against incumbent Republican Lawrence McClure and Democrat Lisa Carpus. Neither are veterans.

James Bledsoe. Army Veteran. Independent Candidate for Raleigh City Council, At-Large. Raleigh, North Carolina. Bledsoe is running for one of two At-large seats against Incumbent Democrat Jonathan Melton, Incumbent Democrat Stormie Forte, Democrat Robert Steele, Socialist Joshua Bradley, Socialist Reeves Peeler Socialist Party, and Katherine Pate (party affiliation unknown). Among them, only Steele is a veteran.

Eric Faulkner. Navy Veteran. Independent Candidate for Temecula City Council, District #2. Temecula, California. Faulkner is running against incumbent Republican Jessica Alexander, who is a USMC veteran.

Craig Evenson. Army Veteran. Independent Candidate for Deuel County State’s Attorney. Clear Lake, South Dakota. Evenson is running unopposed.

Jason Taylor. Air Force Veteran. Independent Candidate for Learning Community Coordinating Council, District #6, Gretna, Nebraska. Taylor is running against incumbent Republican Tim Hall who is a Navy veteran and Republican Mike Elkins who is not a veteran.

More ways to Get involved

If you’re feeling inspired, here are two additional ways you can make a difference in your community — and for this community.

Support IVA with a Donation

Focusing on big impact instead of big money means we’re depending on this community to help IVA grow — and to help these candidates win! Whether you’re able to donate something small, something large, or something in between, know that every dollar you contribute will go directly to supporting our mission of organizing, empowering, and electing independent veterans.

Considering Running for Office

It might seem daunting, but there are offices where you can still get your name on the ballot for this year. Whether you’re ready to take that step or simply want to understand what it takes to run for office, we’re here to help. Through IVA’s technology partnership with GoodParty.org, we are making it possible for independent veterans to get smart, get started, and get in the game against the big parties.