The Forward Party is throwing its support behind even more independent candidates seeking U.S. House seats this year, announcing its support of Tracey Tackett in Ohio and Michael Eisenhauer in Montana.
In an August 20 statement announcing the endorsements, the party praised Tackett, who is running for Ohio’s 4th Congressional District, and Eisenhauer, who is seeking Montana’s 2nd Congressional District, for their backgrounds in public service and community leadership, with Forward Party CEO Lindsey Drath saying both are “focused on practical governance rather than partisan politics.”
“Tracey Tackett and Michael Eisenhauer have each spent years solving problems, building relationships, and serving others,” Drath continued. “Their campaigns reflect the kind of independent leadership Forward is working to support across the country.”
Tackett serves as the assistant mayor of Springfield, a role her fellow commissioners elected her to in January following her 2023 election to the city commission. She is also a small business owner with a background in local civic and nonprofit work, with her campaign specifically naming groups like the Springfield Arts, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and Habitat for Humanity.
“Her campaign centers on independent leadership and bringing together people from different political backgrounds to address challenges facing Ohio communities,” the statement reads. “[Tackett] is committed to representation for all Ohioans, bringing a new perspective and vision to her leadership that will open new doors.”
Tackett is already qualified for the November ballot, with the campaign telling Independent Political Report earlier this summer that volunteers collected more than 4,000 signatures throughout the district. She will face Republican incumbent Jim Jordan and Democrat Joshua Kolasinski in the general election.
Eisenhauer, according to his campaign, is a retired Army colonel and cardiologist who spent nearly 25 years on active duty. His service included a deployment to Baghdad, where he served as deputy forces surgeon and chief of clinical operations for Multi-National Forces–Iraq and later received the Bronze Star. He has since practiced cardiology in Montana, including providing specialized cardiac care to rural communities.
“His campaign focuses on issues including affordability, healthcare, veterans’ issues, and reducing partisan gridlock through independent representation,” the statement reads. “Eisenhauer believes the two-party representative system is not working, clearly proven by dismal approval ratings and the anxiety of young Americans who fear the American Dream is no longer possible for them.”
Eisenhauer has also already qualified for the November ballot, with the office of the Montana Secretary of State reporting that he submitted over 8,000 valid signatures earlier this year. He will face Republican incumbent Troy Downing, Democrat Brian Miller, and Libertarian Patrick McCracken in the general election.
The endorsements are the latest to be announced by the Forward Party, which has also backed Republican Niina Baum in Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District and Democrat Alissa Ellman in New York’s 24th, with the former losing the Republican primary, as well as independent congressional candidates Michael Bridgford and Dave Bushaw in Iowa. The party has also endorsed various other independent and Forward candidates in several statewide races this year.
Be First to Comment