9 Independent State Legislators Running for Reelection in 2024
It’s no secret that the two-party system has long dominated the American political landscape. While barriers have been put into place to keep independent and third-party candidates from national viability, the tide seems to be turning.
Not only are they making inroads into state houses and local offices across the country, but independent and third-party state legislators are standing out as beacons of diversity and innovation.
As the 2024 elections approach, several of these legislators are seeking to renew their commitments to serving their constituents. Join us as we learn more about these unique voices and discuss the highlights of their tenures, accomplishments, and upcoming election dates.
#1: Erika Uyterhoeven - Massachusetts
Chamber: House
District: 27th Middlesex District
Political Affiliation: Independent
Tenure: Serving since January 6, 2021
Term End: January 2025
Next Election: November 5, 2024
Erika Uyterhoeven has been a transformative figure in Massachusetts politics since her election in 2021. She’s known for her advocacy on climate change, economic justice, and housing reform. Representative Uyterhoeven is also passionate about public funding of education and immigration rights. Her committee assignments include positions on the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and the Elder Affairs, Revenue, and Public Service Joint Committees.
Uyterhoeven's notable accomplishments include spearheading the "Green New Deal for Massachusetts" initiative, which aims to transition the state to 100% renewable energy by 2040, and championing legislation to increase affordable housing units in urban areas. She has co-sponsored 35 bills, including legislation regarding voting rights, taxation, and government oversight. Her candidacy has been endorsed by 25 organizations, including unions and environmental groups, and 12 of her fellow legislators.
#2: David Zuckerman - Vermont
Chamber: Lt. Governor/Senate
District: Statewide
Political Affiliation: Progressive
Tenure: Serving in various capacities since 1997; current term since January 6, 2021
Term End: January 2025
Next Election: November 5, 2024
David Zuckerman has a long history of public service in Vermont, having served in the House, the Senate, and as the current Lieutenant Governor. He was the first Progressive Party member to win a statewide election in Vermont, and one of only three third-party candidates to win a statewide election in the 2022 midterms.
Known for his progressive stances, Zuckerman has championed issues like environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, and social justice. He was recognized in 2013 as a Legislative Champion by Renewable Energy Vermont and voted the 2014 Legislator of the Year by Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility.
As a state representative, Zuckerman was Chair of the Agricultural Committee and served on the Ways and Means and Natural Resources Committees. As a state senator, he served on the Agricultural and Education Committees. His key achievements include leading the charge for Vermont's GMO labeling law, marriage equality legislation, supporting renewable energy projects, and advocating for comprehensive healthcare reform.
#3: Jon Brien - Rhode Island
Chamber: House
District: 49
Political Affiliation: Independent
Tenure: Serving since January 3, 2023
Term End: January 7, 2025
Next Election: November 5, 2024
Although he was originally elected to represent House District 50, and served in that capacity from 2007 - 2012, Jon Brien has returned after a hiatus from public service to represent House District 49. During his time in public service, Brien has made his mark in Rhode Island politics as an independent voice for his constituents. He’s known for his pragmatic approach when focusing on such policy areas as economic development, education, and public safety.
Brien served on the state’s Judiciary Committee from 2009 - 2012 and chaired the Municipal Government Committee during the 2011 - 2012 session. He currently sits on the House Labor, Oversight, State Government, and Elections Committees.
Over his career, Representative Brien has sponsored 25 house bills, 6 of which have been signed into law by the governor. His achievements include securing funding for local schools, advocating for small business support initiatives, and working on bipartisan efforts to improve public safety measures in his district.
#4: Brian Boquist - Oregon
Chamber: Senate
District: 12
Political Affiliation: Independent Party of Oregon
Tenure: Serving since 2009
Term End: January 13, 2025
Next Election: November 5, 2024
Brian Boquist has been a prominent figure in Oregon politics, known for his independent stance and commitment to fiscal responsibility and veterans' affairs. Originally a Republican, he changed his affiliation to the Independent Party of Oregon in 2021.
Senator Boquist's legislative work includes significant contributions to veteran support services, enhancing rural healthcare access, and promoting responsible budgeting practices. His efforts have been instrumental in passing legislation that benefits both his district and the wider state.
He currently serves as vice-chair of the Finance and Revenue Committee and co-vice chair of the Joint Tax Expenditures and Joint Transportation Committees. Boquist was also appointed to the Joint Interstate 5 Bridge Committee, where he has served since its creation in 2019. He was previously part of the Veterans and Emergency Preparedness Committee (2015 - 2020), which he chaired from its creation in 2015 to 2017.
#5: Rebecca Himschoot - Alaska
Chamber: House
District: 2
Political Affiliation: Independent
Tenure: Serving since January 17, 2023
Term End: January 21, 2025
Next Election: August 20, 2024 (primary election)
Rebecca Himschoot, representing House District 2 in Alaska, has focused on issues like environmental protection, education, and Indigenous rights that are important to her constituents. As a career educator, she was appointed to the Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development by then-Governor Bill Walker (I) in 2016. From there, she moved on to serve on the Sitka City Assembly Board before running for her current house seat in 2022.
Since taking office, Representative Himschoot has been a staunch advocate for sustainable development, improving educational resources, and supporting legislation that respects and uplifts Indigenous communities. She sits on the House Fisheries, Community & Regional Affairs, and Education Committees as well as the Financial Subcommittees on Corrections, Fish & Game, Public Safety, and Education and Early Development. Her work has garnered significant support and respect across party lines.
Representative Himschoot has been the prime sponsor of five house bills and co-sponsored an additional 48 bills on legislation ranging from food stamp eligibility to crime to how schools respond to opioid overdoses. She has also sponsored legislation relating to how police handle cases of missing/murdered Indigenous people and establishing a review commission to improve their response.
#6: Alyse Galvin - Alaska
Chamber: House
District: 14
Political Affiliation: Independent
Tenure: Serving since January 17, 2023
Term End: January 21, 2025
Next Election: August 20, 2024 (primary election)
Representative Alyse Galvin has brought a fresh perspective to the Alaska House, emphasizing education reform, healthcare access, and economic diversification. Her tenure has so far seen her champion efforts to improve school funding, advocate for accessible and affordable healthcare, and support initiatives aimed at diversifying Alaska's economy beyond oil and gas.
Galvin's approach is characterized by collaboration and practical solutions. Under governors from various parties, she has worked on various education programs and initiatives, including former Governor Bill Walker’s Education Transition Team. She currently sits on the House Finance Committee and University of Alaska Financial Subcommittee.
Since taking office, Representative Galvin has been the prime sponsor of bills relating to early childhood education, repealing the SS benefit reduction, and income tax. She also co-sponsored 76 other House and Senate bills.
Galvin is also a GoodParty.org Certified leader and candidate, meaning she has pledged to serve her constituents with integrity and to run truly independent, people-powered, and anti-corruption campaigns for office.
#7: Bryce E. Edgmon - Alaska
Chamber: House
District: 37
Political Affiliation: Independent
Tenure: Serving since 2007
Term End: January 21, 2025
Next Election: August 20, 2024 (primary election)
Representative Bryce Edgmon, a seasoned legislator in Alaska, has a strong track record of advocating for rural communities and Indigenous rights. First taking office as a Democrat in 2007, he was elected as House Speaker, serving during the 2017-2018 session and again from 2019 - 2021. It was in 2019 that he changed his affiliation to Independent.
Edgmon served on the House Finance Committee from 2009 - 2015, and again from 2021 - 2022; as of 2023, he became the committee chair. He has also been a member of the House Legislative Council Committee since 2017, and served as vice-chair of the House Tribal Affairs Committee during the 2019 - 2020 session.
Edgmon’s long tenure has allowed him to push forward substantial legislation in areas such as healthcare, infrastructure development, and sustainable fishing practices. During his tenure, he has been the prime sponsor of six House bills relating to such policy priorities as energy, tribal and veterans’ affairs, and fisheries. He has also co-sponsored eight bills on a range of legislation initiatives. Edgmon's leadership and experience have been crucial in addressing the unique challenges faced by his district.
#8: William Pluecker - Maine
Chamber: House
District: 44
Political Affiliation: Independent
Tenure: Serving since December 7, 2022
Term End: December 4, 2024
Next Election: November 5, 2024
Representative William Pluecker has quickly established himself as a key independent voice for rural Maine in the State House. His legislative focus includes agriculture, rural development, and healthcare. He is the current chair of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, making decisions on such topics as agricultural sustainability, nutrition management, animal welfare, and food safety. Under that umbrella, his committee oversees Maine’s Land Use Regulation Commission. Pluecker also served on the House Engrossed Bills Committee (2019 - 2022) and Criminal Justice and Safety Committee (2021 - 2022).
Pluecker's accomplishments include supporting local farmers through legislative measures, advocating for rural broadband expansion, and working on bipartisan healthcare initiatives to improve access and affordability for all Mainers. He has sponsored or co-sponsored 25 house bills and joint resolutions on a range of topics, including water safety and access, food insecurity, criminal justice reform, and renewable energy.
#9: Brian Cina - Vermont
Chamber: Vermont House of Representatives
District: Chittenden-15
Political Affiliation: Vermont Progressive Party
Tenure: Serving since 2017
Term End: January 8, 2025
Next Election: August 13, 2024 (Democratic Party primary election)
Representative Brian Cina, a member of the Vermont Progressive Party, has become an influential figure in the Vermont House. A former social worker and community activist, his legislative priorities include social justice, healthcare reform, and environmental sustainability.
Before his election to the State House, first representing Chittenden 6-4 from 2017 - 2023 and then Chittenden-15 from 2023 until now, he was a member of the Burlington School Board, District 2. In 2005, he co-founded Isham Street Gardening and Other Optimistic Doings (ISGOOD), a community-based program to reduce crime and violence through gardening and community service activities.
Cina's notable achievements include advocating for universal healthcare, pushing for progressive tax reforms, and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing Vermont's carbon footprint. As leader of the Center for Climate Integrity, his work reflects a deep commitment to equity and sustainability.
He has been a member of the House Healthcare Committee since 2019, and is the current vice-chair of the House Ethics Panel. During his tenure, Representative Cina has sponsored or co-sponsored 181 House and Senate bills or resolutions on legislative priorities ranging from criminal justice reform to affordable energy to labor rights and healthcare access.
Help Amplify Independent Voices
These independent and third-party state legislators are reshaping the political landscape by introducing fresh perspectives and championing issues that are often overlooked by the major parties. Their re-election campaigns in 2024 will be critical in continuing their work and ensuring that diverse voices remain represented in state legislatures across the country.
As voters consider their choices, the accomplishments and ongoing efforts of these legislators offer a compelling case for their continued service.
By supporting these candidates, constituents are not just voting for individuals, but for the broader ideals of diversity, innovation, and independent thought in governance. As the 2024 elections draw nearer, the success of these legislators will hinge on their ability to connect with voters and communicate the importance of their work in advancing their states' interests.
Learn more about how you can support the independent movement here.
Photo by Aubrey Odom on Unsplash
