"Radical centrists" offer a path forward

In the noise of modern election seasons, where extremes often dominate the headlines and social media feeds, the value of the moderate unaffiliated voter cannot be overstated. These voters are often dismissed as indecisive or lukewarm, yet I suggest are the bedrock of a healthy democracy. They are the ones who temper the flames of ideological extremism, bringing balance to a system that can too easily tip into partisan chaos.

As of 2024, unaffiliated voters make up the largest voting bloc in Colorado. Over 48% of registered voters in the state are unaffiliated, surpassing both Democratic and Republican voters. This trend of unaffiliated voters is a strong plurality and almost majority and has been growing in recent years, reflecting a shift toward political independence. The remainder of the electorate is split between Democrats (approximately 27%) and Republicans (about 24%).

These unaffiliated voters play a decisive role in elections, as they can sway outcomes in local, state, and national contests. I take pride in being an unaffiliated voter; partisanship does not define me, and while I share some positions with both major parties (and some with smaller parties as well) I do not fully resonate with either major party enough to align with them.

I’m a self-described “radical centrist”. A radical centrist might be defined as someone who looks at ballot initiatives and tries to determine how they impact our community, our businesses, and our quality of life. A radical centrist votes person over party and reviews the values and qualities important to them in a candidate, balancing their campaign promises with their track record.

The centrism refers to a belief that genuine solutions require realism and pragmatism, not just idealism and emotion. I wear the radical centrist tag as a badge of honor and encourage you to remember your community and our small businesses when you cast your ballot. Polarization is real, and according to the Pew Research Center, members of both parties who have unfavorable opinions of the opposing party have doubled since 1994, while those who have very unfavorable opinions of the opposing party are at record highs as of 2022.

The centrist, unaffiliated voter matters more today than ever in our current hyper-polarized political climate. While the media spotlight often focuses on the loudest voices from the left and right, it is this middle ground - those who resist ideological extremes and align themselves with no party - that holds the potential to shape the future of our democracy.

Hyperbole? Maybe, but I don’t think so. Radical centrists are the true reflection of the American electorate’s complexity. Unaffiliated radical centrists are driven less by loyalty to a party and more by practical, issue-oriented thinking. We see both the Democratic and Republican parties as flawed, often moving too far from the mainstream to effectively address the nuanced needs of the nation.

Radical centrists vote person over party and consistently vote split party tickets up and down the ballot, choosing the best candidate regardless of party affiliation. We recognize that political solutions rarely exist in absolutes. We recognize the balancing act of policy should include compromise and consideration of various perspectives, rather than pandering to the extremes.

Unaffiliated centrists represent hope for constructive, forward-thinking governance. We are less interested in partisan victories and more invested in solutions that work. By demanding accountability, rejecting rigid party dogma, and valuing pragmatism, radical centrists act as a stabilizing force in our political ecosystem that will drive our nation toward a more balanced future.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com