No Labels becomes Arizona Independent Party
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
Say goodbye to No Labels and hello to the Arizona Independent Party, a new home for candidates who don't necessarily fit with either major political party.
Why it matters: The rebranded party can provide opportunities to candidates who don't want to run as Republicans or Democrats without forcing them to meet the steep hurdles required for independent candidates — those who aren't registered with a recognized party — to get on a ballot.
- Candidates who don't run under a recognized party must collect substantially more signatures because they skip the primary and go straight to the general election.
Driving the news: Secretary of State Adrian Fontes has approved the No Labels Party of Arizona's request to change its name, effective Dec. 1.
- Former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson, the No Labels Arizona chair, said the party polled members on several options and "Arizona Independent Party" was the winner.
By the numbers: Independent statewide candidates in 2024 needed more than 42,000 signatures to get on the general election ballot, while Johnson estimated that Arizona Independent Party candidates will need about 1,500 signatures to qualify for the 2026 primary.
Catch up quick: The new party no longer has any affiliation with the national No Labels organization that formed for the 2024 presidential race.
- The state and national organizations earlier this year turned over the Arizona party to Johnson, who planned to remake it into a de facto independent party.
State of play: Johnson told Axios the party's goal is to "democratize" elections by opening doors for more candidates and voters.
- The party will be open to any candidate who wants to run, and voters won't have to register with the Arizona Independent Party to participate in its primary.
The intrigue: The party won't adopt a traditional platform but will have a general "statement of beliefs"— from increasing education spending to balancing the federal budget; an all-of-the-above energy policy that includes renewables and nuclear; support for the military and law enforcement; opposition to excessive regulations, taxes and fees; and support for civil rights, equal rights, property rights and free trade.
- Johnson acknowledged that some positions could deter people on the far left or right.
Yes, but: While the party is using those principles to recruit candidates and voters, Johnson said candidates won't be required to support them all to get the Arizona Independent Party's endorsement.
- Candidates will have to sign a pledge, which has yet to be finalized, showing support for an open primaries measure that was on the 2024 ballot and a commitment to working with people who have opposing political views.
- The party will create a nominating committee to recruit and endorse candidates.
Zoom in: No Labels candidates have already filed to run for superintendent of public instruction, state treasurer and Arizona House.
1 big question: The new party may add some confusing nomenclature to Arizona politics.
- Voters who aren't registered with a recognized party, about a third of Arizona voters, are already usually referred to as "independents."