Next week in Tennessee, the biggest and most important election since Election Day is happening. And it could be a key bellwether for the mid-term elections next year. But most of America doesn’t know it’s happening. Or that an independent veteran is running in it. But this fascinating and intense race is a reflection of all that is broken in American politics today. And also, may give you hope for the future.
Can the Republicans hold this solidly red district? Will the Democrats continue their hot streak and win again? And will this little-known independent candidate be the determining factor?
Independent veteran Congressional candidate Jon Thorp joins Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) from rural Tennessee to break down his high‑stakes special election outside of Nashville, why he walked away from the GOP to run as a true independent, and how MAGA money, Democrat Super PACs, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, gerrymandering, and broken election rules are all stacked against independent candidates like him. We’ll take you inside this fight for a Congressional seat that could alter the entire balance of power in Washington.
In this latest special “Meet the Independent Candidate” episode, Paul talks exclusively with the former Army soldier and independent veteran who is running in a December 2nd special election in Tennessee’s 7th District—a race drawn to be safely Republican but now suddenly competitive. Jon explains how a district that stretches across 14 counties from the Kentucky line down toward Alabama was carved to exclude downtown Nashville, why that gerrymander matters, and what he is hearing from disillusioned voters who feel politically homeless and ignored by both parties. Jon is facing a Trump-supported loyalist and extreme Republican Matt Van Epps, AND a Kamala Harris-supported far left Democrat Aftyn Behn–and presenting himself as the moderate voice of reason in the middle. Trump is watching this race closely. You should too.
And Paul also breaks down the top stories of the day–including reaction to the breaking news that the cases against James Comey and Leticia James have been dropped–and that Secretary of Defense and Pete Hegseth are considering launching an investigation and UCMJ legal action against political opponent, Navy Veteran and Democrat Senator Mark Kelly.
Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve–and stay vigilant.
