FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Press@IndependentVeteransOfAmerica.org
Karen Matthews, running for U.S. House from California’s 23rd District, is an outstanding independent veteran leader that represents the power and potential of our movement
NEW YORK, May 15, 2026: Today, Independent Veterans of America (IVA) is proud to announce the endorsement of independent veteran candidate Karen Matthews, running for the office of U.S. House of Representatives, California’s 23rd Congressional District.
Karen Matthews is the newest of our 2026 round of endorsed candidates for offices of all levels nationwide.
All IVA-endorsed candidates are outstanding independent leaders that will serve their communities with honor, stand strong as political independents, unify all voters, and bring hope to their home areas and to all Americans.
IVA is the first and only organization focused specifically on recruiting, supporting and electing independent and unaffiliated veteran candidates and incumbents. After launching on Independence Day (July 4th) 2024, generating strong membership growth and national media coverage, and historically endorsing 11 candidates last election cycle (including 4 winners), IVA’s 50-state outreach plan has succeeded in galvanizing an outstanding movement of independent veterans who are stepping up to serve at the local, state and federal level, driving independent reform and inspiring communities nationwide to come together and put country over party.
Karen Matthews is part of an IVA plan to recruit, support, train and elect 100 independent veterans nationwide in 2026.
From the US Senate to local school board, we’ve found an incredible cohort of leaders who want to continue to serve, unite all Americans, reject both broken parties and make history.
This endorsement follows recent endorsements of candidates in Idaho, Mississippi and Illinois. With more to come every few days.
IVA conducted a rigorous review process and is proud to announce that Karen Matthews is part of a dynamic wave of leaders who represents the values and spirit of IVA — and the best of America.
“Independent Veterans of America is very proud to endorse independent Navy veteran Karen Matthews for U.S. House from California’s 23rd District. In this time of war, division, turmoil, corruption and partisan failure, independent veteran Karen Matthews represents hope for Californians, for veterans, and for all Americans. Karen is a tested leader with integrity. She represents a game-changing threat to both the Democrat and Republican parties and our country’s badly broken, hyper-partisan political system. She is an impressive, committed and serious leader that is uniting people of all backgrounds across California. She is a Navy veteran, community champion, and fierce independent who is stepping up at a generational moment to fight for working Americans. We are proud to stand with Karen and encourage everyone in California’s 23rd—especially veterans—to stand with her too.”
— IVA Founder and CEO Paul Rieckhoff
About Karen Matthews
Karen Matthews is a Navy veteran from Loma Linda, California running for U.S. House in California’s 23rd Congressional District.
She’s raised $140,000 and has a campaign team in place. She’s running in a large, diverse district spanning the High Desert, San Bernardino Mountains, a major academic medical center, and a military installation in Barstow.
The incumbent has repeatedly voted against the interests of his constituents.
Karen believes we are living in a generational restructuring of the domestic and world order. And she’s not going to stand aside while both parties fail the people who work, serve, and keep this country running every day.
“We are living in a generational restructuring of the domestic and world order. We are caught between two failing parties. They will not save us. Every day citizens must do what generations before us have done — dig in, do the work, and save this country.”
— Karen Matthews
About the Independent Movement
Independents are the future of American politics. And independent veterans are leading that future.
- 45% of all Americans consider themselves independents. They are the largest, fastest-growing and most-influential group of voters in the United States. And they are starving for leaders with integrity to support.
- There are more than 18 million veterans in America. And 49% of veterans self-identify as independent or unaffiliated voters. And that number is rising by the day.
- A majority of veterans are clear in their desire for less partisanship and more integrity in our leaders.
- Veterans vote. 98% of post-9/11 veterans recently surveyed said they planned to vote in 2024.
- A supermajority (65%) of young people (age 16-39) consider themselves independent and unaffiliated with either major party. This group includes millions of active duty and post-9/11 veterans.
Rieckhoff added, “Our endorsed independent veteran leaders come from different service branches, but are all united in their dedication to lead again now independently in elected office. These are leaders that all Americans can support, root for and believe in. IVA looks forward to continuing to introduce these bold leaders to America and to galvanizing support to help them win in November and make history. These leaders are the groundbreaking next wave of a new and rising movement. They are the plank owners that are building the foundation for waves of independent veteran leaders to come. A wave that will crest powerfully in 2026.”
From now until Election Day, IVA will organize and deploy resources aggressively to help Karen Matthews and at least 99 other independent veterans win. On the airwaves, online and on the ground, IVA will add powerful reinforcements to help carry these candidates to victory on Election Day.
After Election Day, on Veterans Day (11/11), IVA will again unite these leaders, our community, and all Americans to offer non-partisan hope for the future and continue to build the independent veterans movement for decades to come.
IVA is also still accepting applications for endorsement for the pivotal 2026 elections on the IVA website endorsement page now.
About IVA
Independent Veterans of America (IVA) is the first organization in America to identify and empower the millions of politically independent/unaffiliated American veterans to defend and strengthen our democracy. IVA has support from a renowned group of advisors including Admiral Mike Mullen, historian Ken Burns, author Sebastian Junger, advocate Paul Rieckhoff, Medal of Freedom Recipient Bonnie Carroll, Independent Mayor of Colorado Springs Yemi Mobolade, Independent Mayor of Chattanooga Tim Kelly, and others. Led by and built around the unique power and potential of veterans, IVA is growing, deploying and electing a new generation of leaders who will protect the soul of the country we love, defend the values we hold dear, and improve our nation for generations to come.
This is the moment to answer the call. If you’re an independent veteran, or you’re an independent-curious Democrat or Republican, we invite you to declare your independence from the broken parties and join IVA.
Leave the partisan herds. Run with the independent pack.
###
Independent Veterans of America’s mission is to organize and elect independent veterans to support and defend our democracy and lead America to a stronger future.
Every dollar goes straight into the fight — helping independent vets be seen, get traction, and win.
Donate to IVA