Texas Forward Party Makes History at Inaugural State Convention
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Texas Forward Party Makes History as Independent Thinkers from Across Texas Witness the Birth of a New Movement at Inaugural State Convention.
Strategic “Texas 28” initiative and first-ever election of party officers establish a durable foundation for independent candidates and 2028 ballot access for the party.
AUSTIN, TX - April 11, 2026 - In a historic weekend that will redefine the Texas political landscape, the Texas Forward Party officially launched its mission with a high-energy public rally followed by its first-ever formal party business session. Attendees were given the rare opportunity to be "founders" of a new political era, witnessing the foundational steps of a party built by neighbors rather than partisan insiders.
A Unique "Founder" Experience
The convention kicked off with a public rally where attendees experienced the energy of a newly forming coalition. The event served as a live demonstration of Forward Party Values (Respect for the Constitution; Support and Strengthen Democracy; Build from the Bottom Up; Use Data to Drive Collaborative Solutions; and Act with Ethics, Integrity, and Compassion) bringing together community leaders from across the state to break the partisan gridlock and put power back in the hands of voters.
The rally featured a powerful keynote from Governor Christine Todd Whitman, Co-Chair of the National Forward Party, who stood alongside a diverse slate of 2026 independent candidates. These leaders, including Mike Collier (IND candidate for Lt. Governor), Kirsta Melton (IND candidate for Hays County DA), Steve Clugston (IND candidate for State Senate, SD-1), Veronica Williams (IND candidate for TX-23), and William Taggart (IND candidate for TX-38), showcased a shared vision for pragmatic, results-focused leadership. The program also featured local Austin-area community leaders and partners, including Sophia DeLoretto-Chudy (Texas Voter Project), Shannon and Holly (Texans for Thoughtful Politics), Ward Tisdale (ATXelerator), and Linda Curtis (League of Independent Voters of Texas).
Historic First: Election of State Officers & Regional Leadership
Transitioning from the public rally to official party business, convention delegates participated in the historic first election of the party’s leadership team. To oversee the party’s growth and the "Texas 28" strategy, the following state officers were elected:
State Chair: Brandon David (FWD)
Vice-Chair: Dan Allen (FWD)
Secretary: Preston Love (FWD)
Treasurer: Becky Neely (FWD)
Ensuring a truly bottom-up structure, the party also confirmed its Regional Executive Committee Chairs (ECCs) to lead county and local organizing efforts across Texas:
Capital Region ECC: Vicky Weller (FWD)
Central Texas ECC: Jerod Neff (FWD)
Gulf Coast ECC: John Flud (FWD)
Metroplex ECC: Dan Allen (FWD)
South Texas ECC: Isaiah Salas (FWD)
Furthermore, several Functional Executive Committee Chairs were appointed to manage state-level operations: Ciara Perez (FWD) (Affiliates & Candidates) and Zain Ali (FWD) (Outreach). The party also announced the formation of its Political Board of Advisors to provide veteran strategic guidance for the cycles ahead, to be led by Interim Board Chair Ed Graham (FWD).
Building "The Texas 28" for 2028 Ballot Access
The business session concluded with the launch of the "Texas 28" initiative, a strategic three-year roadmap aimed at securing permanent Forward Party ballot access through 2038. Working backward from the November 2028 election, the party will utilize the 2026 cycle to build the essential community infrastructure and candidate relationships needed to field a slate of at least 28 candidates starting in 2027 in the lead up to the filing process for 2028. This movement will culminate in a massive statewide petition drive in early 2028, ensuring that independent-minded Texans finally have a credible, competitive choice on a permanent party ballot line.
A New Direction for Texas
"What our friends and leaders witnessed this weekend wasn't just another political meeting; it was the birth of a serious alternative for the millions of Texans who feel left behind by the two-party system," said newly elected Chair Brandon David. "Electing our first officers by convention and launching the 'Texas 28' strategy, we are moving from idea to real action, a real political movement."
—-
About the Texas Forward Party
The Texas Forward Party is building a credible, durable alternative to the two-party system for the millions of Texans who feel left behind by today’s politics. We are uniting independent thinkers from across the political spectrum to advance a platform rooted in shared values, not partisan division. Our mission is to balance the state legislature, ensure competitive elections, and put power back in the hands of voters to deliver real, data-driven solutions.
Media Contact: communications@texasforwardparty.com | www.texasforwardparty.org
###
