FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Press@IndependentVeteransOfAmerica.org
An Army veteran who spent nearly 17 years finding the errors in the record is running for the office that audits Minnesota’s books — an open seat decided last time by 8,432 votes.
NEW YORK, September 18, 2026: Somebody has to watch the money. In Minnesota that job is called State Auditor, it is on the ballot this November, and for once it is wide open — the incumbent is not seeking re-election. Today, Independent Veterans of America (IVA) is proud to announce the endorsement of independent Army veteran Jay Reeves, running for Minnesota State Auditor.
Jay Reeves is part of our new 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.
Jay Reeves 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.
IVA conducted a rigorous review process and is proud to announce that Jay Reeves is part of a dynamic wave of leaders who represents the values and spirit of IVA — and the best of America.
About Jay Reeves
Jay Reeves enlisted after 9/11. He was 31 years old, married, with four kids. Over nearly 17 years he went from Private to Major, deployed to Iraq, and finished his career as a data-integrity analyst for the Defense Health Agency — the person whose job was finding the errors in the record before they became somebody’s problem.
In 2022 he was diagnosed with cancer presumptively linked to burn pit exposure. He was medically retired the following year.
Now he wants to bring that same audit discipline to Minnesota’s books. His plan is not complicated. Catch fraud in real time instead of reporting it years after the fact. Harden the office against cyber threats. Publish audits a taxpayer can actually read.
“Independence truly is — independent in thought and in action. And that’s who I am at my core. My mission is simple: apply the same rigor used in military medical data auditing to Minnesota’s state finances.”
— Jay Reeves
“Independent Veterans of America is very proud to endorse independent Army veteran Jay Reeves for Minnesota State Auditor. Somebody has to watch the money, and Jay Reeves spent nearly 17 years doing exactly that work in uniform. Both parties have already picked their candidate in this race. Jay is the independent on that ballot. An independent veteran can win this one.”
— IVA Founder and CEO Paul Rieckhoff
The Race
The Minnesota State Auditor’s office is an open seat in 2026. Both major parties have selected their nominees: Scott Jensen for the Republicans and Zack Filipovich for the DFL. Jay Reeves is the independent on that ballot. The general election is November 3, 2026.
This is not a safe seat for either party. Four years ago the same office was decided by 8,432 votes — the second-closest auditor’s race in Minnesota history.
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.
From now until Election Day, IVA will organize and deploy resources aggressively to help Jay Reeves 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. Learn more at www.IndependentVeteransOfAmerica.org
Every dollar goes straight into the fight — helping independent vets be seen, get traction, and win.
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