Breckenridge Texan

To fix the stalemate, voters and thinkers should get to work.

Editor’s Note: This column originally appeared in The Dallas Morning News, where Glenn Rogers is a contributing columnist.

Imagine a political world where voters have the option of selecting a candidate strictly based on character, experience and accomplishments in honorable pursuits. Continue dreaming about sending someone to Austin or Washington who you know will make decisions solely based on what they believe is right for their district, regardless of the political consequences or party affiliation. Leap even further into this imaginary world and think of a candidate unfettered by hyperpartisan legislative priorities, lobbyists or megadonors. Is this surreal image even possible? It seems unlikely, but a partial solution may lie with increasing opportunities for independent candidates.

A little history

Political parties are not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, but our founders certainly knew of their dangers. In George Washington’s farewell address to our new nation, he warned citizens about parties, describing them as “potent engines, by which cunning ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government.”

The Republic of Texas did not have a two-party system, though hyperpartisanship flourished between the pro-Sam Houston and anti-Sam Houston factions.

In 1968, in Mrs. Chapman’s seventh grade Texas history class at Graham Junior High School, my peers and I had a debate over three presidential candidates: Republican Richard Nixon, Democrat Hubert Humphrey and American Independent George Wallace. I debated for Richard Nixon. This was before Watergate.

Since 1974, when I cast my first ballot, I have voted only for Republican candidates. In 1978, while attending Texas A&M University, I heard a speech by Ronald Reagan that stirred my soul and inspired me to a lifetime of strong support for the Republican Party.

President Reagan and Speaker Tip O’Neill were political adversaries but treated each other with respect and dignity. They genuinely liked each other. Following the assassination attempt on Reagan in 1981, O’Neill was one of the first visitors allowed at the hospital. They prayerfully read the 23rd Psalm together.

We now have a president who openly speaks about not just party differences but hate for the opposition party. The absurdity of an environment where elected officials from a minority party are treated as subhumans must have our forefathers rolling in their graves.

Many of us who are lifelong Republicans, and still above the dirt, have major concerns about the vile behavior of our sitting president. Currently, our country seems to be at the peak of post-Civil War political polarization.

It is evident to me that a large segment of American society is disgusted with both parties. Hate-filled rhetoric, purity test requirements, increasing megadonor control and media focus on the most extreme elements of both parties have resulted in large numbers of voters becoming disillusioned and disengaged, or wondering if there’s a better way.

Another option

An independent candidacy could avoid a brutal primary campaign of unwarranted character assassination and allow voters a choice in the general election.

In many, if not most, districts in Texas, elections are decided in the primary. In a large handful of Texas races, the Republican candidate goes unopposed. Could independent candidates not tainted by the garish rhetoric and outlandish behavior of the far left or far right be the answer? Maybe, but there are big hurdles to overcome: ballot access, name recognition and fundraising.

At least in a statewide race, an independent would need to be widely known and either independently wealthy or capable of raising millions of dollars in a short period without the help of a party machine.

How it works

For independent candidates and minor parties, Texas has one of the most difficult pathways in the nation for ballot access. The most onerous challenge is the requirement for petition signatures required on a short timeline.

If a candidate wants to run as an independent in 2026, a document called a “Declaration of Intent to Run as an Independent Candidate” must be filed between Nov. 8 and Dec. 8, 2025. This declaration must be filed with the Texas secretary of state for statewide and district offices, or with the county judge for county and precinct offices. Although there is no filing fee for the declaration, there is a fee when filing for the official application to appear on the ballot. If an individual votes in either the Republican or Democratic primary elections, they are disqualified for running as an independent candidate for that election year.

After the March 2026 primary and before 5 p.m. on June 27, 2026, signatures must be collected from registered voters who did not participate in a party primary that nominated a candidate for the office sought. That means independent candidates must find Texans who are politically engaged enough to sign a petition but who didn’t vote in the primary — a rare bird.

Signature requirements vary by office. A candidate wanting to run against Gov. Greg Abbott or any statewide office holders will need to gather 81,030 signatures (1% of the total vote for all gubernatorial candidates in 2022). The requirements for district, county or precinct office are less arduous, requiring the lesser of 500 signatures or 5% of the total gubernatorial vote in that territory in 2022.

The Texas way

Texas has a long history of willingness to fight for freedom and independent thought. My ancestors who fought for independence in the Revolutionary War and the Battle of San Jacinto would have not tolerated the oppressive purity tests of our current political parties.

There are important timelines fast approaching. All citizens fed up with our current two-party system who desire to be an independent candidate or support an independent candidate need to get busy. They’ll have fewer than 120 days to collect 81,030 signatures. Thousands of disgruntled voters are waiting.

Glenn Rogers is a rancher and veterinarian in Palo Pinto County. He served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2021 to 2025, representing Stephens County. He is a Dallas Morning News contributing columnist.