What is the Forward Party and Why I Support the Movement

Most of us are exhausted by politics that feels like a never-ending tug-of-war. One side yells, the other side yells back, and meanwhile the real problems—roads, schools, health care, the economy—remain unsolved. That’s why the Forward Party was created: to give voice to the millions of Americans who want practical solutions instead of partisan warfare.

A Short History of Forward

The Forward Party started in 2021, launched by Andrew Yang after his presidential and New York mayoral runs. It quickly gained momentum by uniting with two other reform-minded groups—the Serve America Movement and the Renew America Movement—in 2022. Together, they brought Republicans, Democrats, and independents under one umbrella, with a shared mission: reduce polarization and build a healthier democracy.

Core Values that Guide Forward

Unlike traditional parties that hand down rigid platforms, Forward is built around values. These values set the tone for how candidates' campaign, how elected officials govern, and how communities solve problems.

• Data over dogma. Solutions should be based on evidence, not ideology.

• Innovation and entrepreneurship. Encouraging creativity and problem-solving at every level.

• Respect and dignity. Even when we disagree, we treat each other as neighbors, not enemies.

• Political diversity. We need multiple perspectives at the table to make the best decisions.

• Grace and tolerance. Lowering the temperature, listening first, and focusing on outcomes.

In short, Forward believes in Free People, Vibrant Democracy, and Thriving Communities.

Why Forward Matters in a Partisan Environment

Our current system rewards the loudest voices, not the most reasonable ones. The result? Gridlock, anger, and whiplash policies that swing back and forth every election cycle. Forward wants to fix the rules of the game so government works better for everyone.

By supporting ranked-choice voting, open primaries, and independent redistricting, Forward encourages coalition-building and ensures candidates must appeal to a broad majority—not just their base. The benefit is simple: policies with more buy-in, fewer extremes, and results that actually last.

The Forward Pledge

Every Forward candidate signs a pledge to hold themselves to a higher standard. That means:

• Respecting democratic rules and processes.

• Governing with integrity and transparency.

• Leading with data and evidence.

• Showing grace and tolerance.

• Welcoming political diversity, even within their own movement.

This isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a promise to voters that Forward candidates will practice what they preach, both on the campaign trail and in office.

Why I Support the Forward Party

For me, Forward’s values are personal.

• As a scientist and trained researcher, I know solutions must be driven by data, not ideology. If the evidence points one way, that’s the direction we should go—regardless of which side claims it.

• As a small business owner in applied technology, I’ve seen firsthand how innovation and entrepreneurship create opportunity and success. South Carolina and Washington both need leaders who understand that.

• At Clemson University, I work alongside people from all over the world. We don’t always agree, but I’ve seen how respect and dignity allow us to grow together, even when we start from different places.

• Above all, I believe a strong, pragmatic middle is the key to fixing government. Imagine a system where no major law could pass without the middle 10% agreeing to it. That would mean only the best ideas survive—and the worst impulses from either extreme are filtered out.

  
  

Moving Forward

The Forward Party is more than a new political brand—it’s a new way of doing politics. It’s about collaboration over conflict, solutions over slogans, and progress over partisanship.

If you’re tired of politics that divides us, and ready for politics that actually solves problems, then you’re ready to move Forward.