Oregon has a proud history of independent politics.

1930's

The first independent to be elected to statewide office, Julius Meier, was elected Governor in 1930 with 54% of the vote in a 3-way race.

During his one term in office, Meier established the Oregon State Police, the State Unemployment Commission, and the State Board of Agriculture. He is credited with putting Oregon on solid financial footing in the wake of the Great Depression and with reforms that led to the creation of Oregon's non-partisan judicial system.

1950's