The story of Forward Independence grew from three primary roots: the national Forward Party, the Minnesota Forward Party, and the Independence Alliance Party of Minnesota.

Forward Party (national)

The story of the national Forward Party began with a group of former Republican and Democrat elected officials, members of presidential cabinets, and other notable names including Andrew Yang, Christine Todd Whitman, and others who believed that the partisan polarization and corruption of the two major parties are worsening America’s problems rather than solving them.  

After his run for President as a Democrat in 2020, Andrew Yang announced his intention to form the Forward party in 2021.  He was quoted as saying: “our leaders are rewarded based not on solving problems but on accruing resources and retaining office.”  He explained that one of the reasons for starting a new party, rather than creating a caucus within an existing party, was that neither party is committed to electoral changes and political reform.  The only changes those parties offered were partisan initiatives to increase their political advantage at the expense of the other party – such as gerrymandering district maps.  

Christine Todd Whitman joined the Forward Party because she believes the two-party system is failing to represent a large portion of Americans, leading to frustration and a lack of choices. She stated the Forward Party offers a place for the "vast majority of the American people" who feel unrepresented by the current political extremes. As a former Republican governor and member of George W. Bush's administration, she felt the need for a new party to provide an alternative that prioritizes pragmatic problem-solving and accountability to constituents over partisan gains.

The aim of the national Forward Party movement is to reform the American political system, address political polarization, and promote principles such as "free people, thriving economy, and a vibrant democracy." The party generally advocates for common-sense solutions, electoral reform (like ranked-choice voting and open primaries), and a less partisan approach to governance, seeking to attract voters who feel that the existing duopoly is broken and who are unrepresented by the existing political parties.

Independence Alliance Party of Minnesota

The Independence Alliance Party (IAP) was a political party in Minnesota until its merger with the Minnesota Forward Party in 2025. The IAP originated from the grassroots movement supporting Ross Perot's independent presidential candidacy in 1992. Many of Perot's supporters in Minnesota, who felt unrepresented by the two major parties, coalesced to form the IAP.  The party gained significant attention when Jesse Ventura, a former professional wrestler and mayor of Brooklyn Park, successfully ran for governor under its banner in 1998. Ventura's victory was a major upset, propelling the IAP into the national spotlight and demonstrating the potential for third-party candidates to win high-profile elections. His campaign focused on issues such as campaign finance reform, property tax relief, and government transparency, resonating with voters disillusioned with traditional politics.

From 2003 to 2025, the IAP struggled to maintain its momentum (as did most minor political parties in the state).  Changes within the two major political parties, particularly the partisan endorsement process, has led to destructive polarization across the state.  For an interesting perspective, see Jim Gelbmann's article in the Twin Cities Pioneer Press.  With its merger with the Minnesota Forward Party, the legacy of the IAP has found new energy and vitality for the people of Minnesota. 

Minnesota Forward Party

Starting in 2022, thousands of Minnesotans began joining the national Forward Party.  A few of them answered the call of the national Forward Party to begin the marathon process of establishing a state party affiliate in Minnesota.  From 2022 to 2025, the Minnesota Forward Party built the foundation to become a minor political party in the state.  As word of this new party spread, it became clear that there was significant synergy in the ideals and goals of both the Forward and Independence Alliance parties.  Starting in late 2024, discussions of a merger between the two organizations grew until both parties held state conventions and voted to formally merge in July 2025.

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