Independent National Convention Brings Independent Voices to Washington, D.C. in September 2026

Washington, D.C. will host the Independent National Convention 2026 from September 23 through September 25, bringing independent candidates, reform advocates, organizers, civic leaders and political figures together at the JW Marriott Washington, DC.

Scheduled during the 250th anniversary year of the United States, the three day gathering is being organized by United Independents and is centered on political participation, coalition building, election reform and the development of an organized independent movement. The organizers describe the convention as a gathering for independents, reformers and political outsiders working beyond the traditional two party structure.

The event comes as independent political organizations continue to build networks connecting candidates, voters, activists and reform groups across the country.

A National Gathering Focused on Independent Politics

The Independent National Convention is designed around the idea that independent political activity extends beyond individual candidates or election campaigns.

According to the convention’s official website, the event is intended to connect citizens with leaders, candidates with potential funders, and organizers with potential partners. Its stated program emphasizes relationships, coordination, strategy and infrastructure within the independent political movement. 

The 2026 program is structured around keynote presentations, general sessions, networking, candidate meetings, breakout programming and opportunities for participants to connect by state, mission and area of political work.

The official schedule lists an opening reception on Wednesday, September 23, followed by programming beginning Thursday morning and continuing through Friday, September 25.

Marianne Williamson and Other Independent Movement Figures Featured

The convention’s speaker programming includes figures from different parts of the political and civic landscape.

The official schedule currently lists Marianne Williamson, Larry Sharpe, Amanda Griffiths, Lindsey Drath, Heather Herrygers, Paul Zeitz, and Jake Harriman among participants in the Friday morning “Declare Independence” general session. The Thursday candidate session is scheduled to feature independent candidates including Christopher Life, Ryan Rabah and Dan Osborn, along with additional candidates.

Other figures associated with the 2026 convention include John Opdycke, president of Open Primaries, and Zen Honeycutt, founder and executive director of Moms Across America. United Independents has also promoted appearances and participation from a range of independent and reform advocates in the lead up to the event. (LinkedIn)

The program reflects the organizers’ effort to bring together people with different political backgrounds around questions concerning representation, political participation and structural reform.

Beyond Traditional Party Labels

A central theme of the convention is the role of Americans who identify outside the traditional Republican and Democratic party structures.

The organizers describe the event as an effort to build coordination among an independent political ecosystem that includes voters, candidates, reform organizations, activists and civic leaders. The stated objective is to develop relationships and infrastructure that can continue beyond the three days in Washington. 

That emphasis distinguishes the convention from a traditional campaign rally. Its published schedule includes networking periods, candidate sessions, general sessions, breakout opportunities and meetings intended to facilitate connections among participants.

The convention’s organizers have also framed independent politics around questions of representation and accountability, while different speakers and participating organizations bring their own political positions and priorities to those discussions.

Election Reform and Political Participation

Election reform is another subject represented within the broader independent movement surrounding the convention.

John Opdycke of Open Primaries is among the figures connected with the event. Open Primaries advocates for changes to primary election systems, including broader participation in certain primary structures. United Independents has described election reform and greater voter participation as part of the wider conversation taking place within the independent movement. 

The convention therefore provides a setting where different approaches to political reform can be discussed alongside candidate activity and grassroots organizing.

Three Days of Programming in Washington

The published 2026 schedule begins Wednesday, September 23, with registration and an opening rooftop reception.

Thursday, September 24, includes morning programming, the “Independent Movement” general session, networking and an “Independent Candidates” general session scheduled for the afternoon. The evening program includes candidate and stakeholder gatherings as well as a VIP reception. 

Friday, September 25, continues with breakfast, keynote and breakout programming before concluding with a gala dinner at the JW Marriott.

The organizers have also incorporated cultural and networking elements into the convention, including movement art and performances, an exhibit hall and designated connection opportunities.

The 2026 Convention Builds on Earlier Gatherings

One detail distinguishes the current event from the description of it as an inaugural convention.

The supplied event description refers to the September 2026 gathering as the “inaugural Independent National Convention.” However, the current official United Independents website describes the organization as having hosted previous national conventions and identifies the 2026 gathering as INC ’26. Its materials state that the organization gathers every two years and list previous speakers including Marianne Williamson, Dennis Kucinich, Tulsi Gabbard, Andrew Yang, Larry Sharpe and John Opdycke. 

The official 2026 convention website also describes the current gathering as the fourth time the event has been hosted.

That history places the September gathering within an ongoing series rather than treating it as the first event of its kind.

Why Washington, D.C. Matters to the Gathering

Holding the convention in Washington gives the event a direct connection to the center of federal political activity.

The JW Marriott Washington, DC, located at 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, will serve as the venue. 

For participating candidates, reform organizations and civic groups, the location provides an opportunity to bring independent political discussions into the nation’s capital while creating a setting for networking and collaboration.

The event also arrives during the United States’ 250th anniversary year, adding a historical backdrop to discussions about representation, government and the future of American political institutions.

A Forum for Different Political Perspectives

The Independent National Convention is bringing together people who do not necessarily share identical political philosophies.

Its published participants include independents, Libertarians, election reform advocates, civic organizers, authors and political figures with differing backgrounds. The convention’s organizers present the gathering as a place where these groups can build relationships and explore areas of common interest.

The result is intended to be less about a single political platform and more about creating connections within a broader independent political ecosystem.

For attendees, that can mean exposure to candidates, reform proposals, organizing strategies and perspectives that may not fit neatly within traditional party categories.

Independent National Convention 2026 Event Details

Independent National Convention 2026
September 23 to 25, 2026
JW Marriott Washington, DC
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C.

The official convention website provides the current schedule, speaker information, registration details and event updates.

Independent National Convention Official Website

As September approaches, the Washington gathering is positioned to provide a national meeting point for independent candidates, political reform advocates, organizers and citizens interested in the development of political activity outside traditional party structures.