Harrisburg, PA – The Forward Party, founded and co-chaired by entrepreneur and political figure Andrew Yang, officially endorsed two candidates for statewide office in a press conference yesterday afternoon in the main rotunda of the state capitol building in Harrisburg.

Chris Foster, a former Democrat, has been nominated for Treasurer, and Eric Settle, a former Republican, for Attorney General. Both candidates, adorned in purple shirts and ties — a nod to the blend of America’s traditional blue and red political colors — represent the Forward Party’s mission to merge what it sees as the best ideas from both sides of the aisle.

Chris Foster’s campaign for Treasurer is grounded in the promise of “evidence-based policy solutions,” “thoughtful collaboration,” and a significant expansion of financial literacy programs for Pennsylvanians.

In his remarks, Foster stated that his vision “extends beyond mere bookkeeping.”

“I am deeply committed to leveraging innovative solutions which address the complex challenges facing Pennsylvanians. As state Treasurer, I will be a tireless advocate for policies that champion equity, justice, and opportunity for all,” said Foster.

Eric Settle, aiming for the Attorney General’s office, cited his policy experience in enhancing environmental protection and expanding healthcare coverage across the Commonwealth, having served under former Governor Tom Ridge and on the transition team for Governor Josh Shapiro.

Reflecting on his personal journey back to politics after a hiatus to raise his family, Settle shared a poignant moment from his life. “One day, I was at my seven-year-old son’s soccer game and I thought, if I’m running for Congress, I will be at everyone else’s kids’ soccer game but my own.” This realization led him to wait until his children were grown before re-entering the political arena, which, upon his return, he found to be “drastically altered.”

“As a Republican, the party of Trump made me both uncomfortable, and unelectable,” said Settle.

The Forward Party’s aim to break the partisan deadlock statewide extends beyond electoral victory in the 2024 elections.

“With just two percent of the statewide vote, together, we can establish the Forward Party as a permanent political party in Pennsylvania, to bring a platform for all future candidates at all levels who are willing to stand by today and say it’s time for Pennsylvania and our nation to break the partisan gridlock and seek practical solutions to the most important issues of our time,” Settle asserted. He also warned of potential backlash from established parties, asserting that “if we’re successful, there will be attacks by the established parties because the status quo works for them, not for you.”

In response to inquiries about whether the Forward Party plans to field presidential candidates, Settle clarified that the party’s primary focus is on statewide races, adopting a bottom-up approach to building the party.

While the prospect of winning the elections for Treasurer and Attorney General remains ambitious for independent candidates in Pennsylvania, the party’s more immediate goal to solidify its presence as a permanent political party within the state could herald significant long-term implications for Pennsylvania’s political ecosystem, potentially offering a new path forward for voters disillusioned with the binary partisan divide.

Olivia DeMarco is an Editorial Associate for Broad + Liberty. She previously served as a legislative aide in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She holds a Masters in Public Policy from Temple University.