NORFOLK, Va. — The Forward Party operates under the motto “Not left, not right, but forward.” The Virginia chapter held a virtual meeting Wednesday night to discuss their vision and strategize for growth. Members expressed concern regarding the current political climate, particularly the actions of the Trump administration, which they say are fueling their drive for change.
“If you are alive and you have a pulse, you understand that we are in uncharted territory… probably for the first time, my word—maybe a 100 years,” said Sophia Nelson, Vice Chair of Communications for the Virginia Forward Party.
Founded in 2022, the party draws many of its members from those who deserted the Republican Party during the Trump era. The virtual meeting, also celebrating Women’s History Month, featured special guest: Kerry Healey, Executive Chair of the Forward National Party and former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts.
“I want to see the party established for the 50 percent of Americans who don’t identify as either Republicans or Democrats.” Healey emphasized the party’s focus on building the infrastructure necessary to support independent candidates, saying, “We are gaining momentum, first of all, in terms of our vision. Right now, we’re trying to build the infrastructure, the support that independent candidates need to run and win in America.”
The current political landscape, particularly moves made by the Trump administration that are perceived as pushing the boundaries of power, deeply concerns Healey. “I worry about what children growing up right now are thinking. I worry that they are thinking that progress can go backwards… that perhaps they will have less freedom in the future,” she said, revealing that she left the Republican Party the day after the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Healey stressed that the Forward Party aims to provide voters with greater choice, offering candidates who are not beholden to national party platforms. “I want to be part of a group that can respect people’s religious differences, they have genuine differences of opinions. I want to respect that,” she stated, outlining the party’s commitment to human dignity, economic growth and expansion, and democracy.
Nelson emphasized the importance of freedom. “Freedom is the word going into 2026,” she said. “I’m personally pro-life, but because I am pro-freedom, I believe another woman has a right to make a different choice than I do, and I think that’s one of the fundamental things we’ve lost in this country, the respect for other viewpoints.”
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