Army and Navy Vets Demonstrate Strong Appeal in Local Elections in VA and CT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Press@IndependentVeteransOfAmerica.org
New York, November 5, 2025— The Independent Veterans of America (IVA) is proud to announce victories for independent veteran candidates in the 2025 elections.
Mike Procuk has won his election for the Frederick County, Virginia School Board (Redbud District). As a decorated U.S. Army veteran, committed community leader, and parent, Procuk’s campaign focused on putting students above politics, supporting teachers, and ensuring that all families’ voices are heard in Frederick County schools. His election is a resounding endorsement of integrity, service-first leadership, and a rejection of extreme partisanship in education.
Toby Proctor has emerged victorious for the Board of Finance in North Granby, Connecticut. A Navy veteran, financial expert, and long-time civic volunteer, Proctor’s campaign emphasized accountability, responsible budgeting, and protecting the character and stability of Granby’s community. His independence and national veteran organization and Forward Party endorsements reflect a growing movement for collaboration and good governance at the local level.
These victories signal a clear demand from voters for independent-minded, veteran leaders who prioritize service over party politics. Across the country, more unaffiliated veterans are stepping up, challenging the status quo, and winning on their merits and commitment to their communities.
IVA calls on veterans everywhere:
- If you want to serve again—run as an independent.
- If you’re frustrated with partisan division in your town—help us find more veteran candidates.
- With nearly half of U.S. veterans identifying as independent, new opportunities abound in every state and local election for principled, country-over-party leadership.
On this Election Day, the IVA celebrates these wins but also looks to the future. The doors are now open wider for veterans who want to run, win, and bring unity to American politics as true independents. Join the movement at independentveteransofamerica.org/ and apply for IVA’s 2026 candidate endorsement program today.
IVA President Paul Rieckhoff:
“These victories are proof that America is hungry for leaders who bring service, integrity, and real solutions to the table—not just more division. Mike and Toby represent the best of our community and the future of independent veteran leadership at every level.”
About IVA
Independent Veterans of America (IVA) empowers unaffiliated veteran candidates to defend and strengthen our democracy. Learn more at independentveteransofamerica.org/
Congratulations to Mike Procuk and Toby Proctor—the future is independent, and the movement is just beginning.
IVA is now accepting applications for endorsement for the pivotal 2026 elections on the IVA website endorsement page.
We expect this to be our largest and most powerful cohort of independent veteran leaders yet and will announce our first round of 2026 endorsements soon after Election Day and Veterans Day this month.
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 Mayor Yemi Mobolade 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.
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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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