Nirvana co-founder Krist Novoselić Announces Formation of Cascade Party in Washington State

Nirvana co-founder Krist Novoselić has announced the creation of a new political party based solely in Washington State called the Cascade Party. While it does not wish to run a presidential ticket, the party nominated Novoselić and James Carroll as part of its effort to secure minor party status.

Novoselić first announced news of the Cascade Party late last month in an interview with Seattle’s KOMO News. In the interview, Novoselić, who is chair, said he organized the party after growing disaffected with the Republicans and Democrats. When asked what positions the party will focus on, he mentioned public safety, fiscal moderation, and compassionate support of the homeless population, among other issues. He also added that the party has an open-source social media platform, similar in style to Facebook, which is intended to allow party members to easily engage with the organization, vote on party officers and the platform, and influence other issues important to its business.

According to the Cascade Party website, the organization seeks to run candidates in local elections starting in 2025. It wants to keep its focus entirely local to Washington and is actively pushing back against state campaign finance laws that require organizing parties to field a presidential candidate in addition to collecting 1,000 signatures to qualify as a minor party.

The party is currently petitioning the state to change the law regarding the requirement to field a presidential candidate and has said it will file a lawsuit if necessary to avoid appearing on the ballot. However, the party is still collecting signatures of registered voters to meet state requirements “as currently defined.”

While the party does not want to appear on the presidential ballot, it has nominated Krist Novoselić and James Carroll as its presidential ticket. Twelve party members have also volunteered as electors.

In addition to the Cascade Party, Novoselić also announced the formation of a new band called the Bona Fide Band, which is working closely with the organization. Members include several other prominent musicians in the alternative rock scene, such as Jillian Raye from Giants in the Trees, Jennifer Johnson of 3rd Secret, Mark Pickerel from Screaming Trees, and guitarist Kathy Moore. The band is touring the state as a way to draw further attention to the party.

Thanks to Richard Winger of Ballot Access News for initially making Independent Political Report aware of the Cascade Party.