Independent Veterans of America Announces First Endorsement of 2026

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CONTACT: Press@IndependentVeteransOfAmerica.org

Independent Veterans of America Announces First Endorsement of 2026

Todd Achilles, running for US Senate in Idaho, is an outstanding independent veteran leader that represents the power and potential of our movement

NEW YORK, April 30, 2026: Today, Independent Veterans of America (IVA) is proud to announce the endorsement of our first 2026 independent veteran candidate: Todd Achilles, running for the office of U.S. Senate, Idaho.

Todd Achilles is the first 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.

Todd is the first in a 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 men and women 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 Todd Achilles is first of a dynamic wave of leaders who represents the values and spirit of IVA—and the best of America.

About Todd Achilles

Todd Achilles is an Army veteran from Boise, ID running for U.S. Senate from Idaho.

He is a former tank commander, successful business leader, father of two and respected former member of the Idaho House of Representatives.

“I grew up on a family farm, where I learned early the values Idahoans hold closest—hard work and looking out for your neighbor. I served in the U.S. Army as a tank commander and armor officer. The Army taught me teamwork, leadership and grit. These are the qualities that I bring to public service.

I spent over 20 years in the tech sector, leading teams at T-Mobile, Hewlett-Packard, and several start-ups. Today I teach public policy and advocate for veterans.

I know first hand the positive effect of healthy competition and also what happens when monopolies take over and exploit hardworking Americans. Fair markets and livable wages matter more than partisan talking points.

This campaign is not about political party allegiance. It is about recommitting ourselves to the Constitution and to our fellow Idahoans. The challenges ahead of us are not right versus left, but top versus bottom. There is more that unites Idahoans than divides us.”

— Todd Achilles

One of the most bipartisan legislators in Idaho history, Achilles has been endorsed in previous races by a remarkable coalition spanning the AFL-CIO, Farm Bureau, Idaho Medical Association, Idaho Education Association, and VoteVets. He is running in an extremely winnable race — polling 3 points ahead of the Republican incumbent in a head-to-head matchup — backed by tremendous grassroots support and a growing statewide operation.

“The two-party system is corrupt and broken. It doesn’t matter if Republicans or Democrats are in power — we have the same debt, division, and dysfunction. Independents are the only path by which we eliminate the corrupting incentives and restore an institution that supports good policies.”

— Todd Achilles

“Independent Veterans of America is very proud to endorse independent Army veteran Todd Achilles for US Senate from Idaho. In this time of war, division, turmoil, corruption and partisan failure, independent veteran Todd Achilles represents hope for Idahoans, for veterans, and for all Americans. Todd also represents a game changing threat to both the Democrat and Republican parties and our country’s badly broken, hyper-partisan political system. He is an impressive, committed and serious leader that is uniting people of all backgrounds across Idaho. He is a strong, moderate and reasonable leader that represents the best of America, his state, and the independent movement.”

— IVA Founder and CEO Paul Rieckhoff

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 introducing these bold leaders to America and to galvanizing support to help them win in November and make history. These men and women 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 raise and deploy resources aggressively to help Todd Achilles 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