Minnesota Independent Candidates Held Forum

Three candidates discussed their nonpartisan platforms during a public event in Eden Prairie on September 8.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a monolithic civic building facade, evoking the institutional nature of political representation. — Independent candidates Jay Reeves, Chip Tangen, and Kris Babler held a forum in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, on September 8 to discuss their nonpartisan platforms. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe the two-party system is the best way to represent voters in your area?

Three candidates running outside of the major party systems participated in an independent forum held at TJ Hooligans in Eden Prairie on September 8. The participants sought to highlight their nonpartisan platforms and express dissatisfaction with the traditional two-party system.

Why it matters

Candidates campaigned on the necessity for nonpartisan representation, arguing that the existing two-party structure does not adequately serve the electorate. Their efforts reflect a broader push for political alternatives as more Americans move away from party affiliation.

A Gallup poll found 45% of U.S. adults identified as political independents in 2025, compared to 27% identifying with each major party. Meanwhile, the Minnesota State Auditor office oversees more than $56 billion in local government financial activity.

The players

Jay Reeves

He is a candidate for the office of Minnesota State Auditor running under the Forward Independence banner.

Chip Tangen

He is a Libertarian candidate running for the office of Minnesota Secretary of State.

Kris Babler

He is a candidate running for a seat in the Minnesota Senate representing District 49.

The details

The forum featured Jay Reeves, a state auditor candidate for Forward Independence, Libertarian secretary of state candidate Chip Tangen, and Senate District 49 candidate Kris Babler. The participants focused their messaging on their independence from established political entities.

January 2025: Gallup published polling on independent political identification.
2025 legislative session: DFL Party held a 34-33 majority in the Minnesota Senate.
September 8, 2026: Independent Candidate Forum held in Eden Prairie.

Political Context

The Minnesota DFL Party maintained a narrow 34-33 majority in the state Senate during the 2025 legislative session. These independent candidates are positioning their platforms as a direct alternative to the partisan legislative outcomes produced by that razor-thin majority.

For residents in these districts, the presence of independent candidates may shift the debate on issues like fiscal oversight, as the State Auditor manages $56 billion in local government activity. Voters must decide if these independent platforms offer a viable path to breaking the existing legislative majorities.

The takeaway

These candidates are challenging voters to look beyond traditional party labels when evaluating who is best suited to manage state government offices. Residents should review candidate platforms to understand how nonpartisan leadership might impact future legislative and administrative operations.