--- title: "VoteR Connect | FROM “INDEPENDENT” TO REPUBLICAN!?" description: "The author recounts their journey from being an unaffiliated voter to serving as a Republican state representative, arguing that self-reflection led them to realize their values aligned with the Republican Party and encouraging others to examine their own political beliefs." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "FROM “INDEPENDENT” TO REPUBLICAN!?", "url": "https://voterconnect.lovable.app/articles/from-independent-to-republican", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "VoteR Connect", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://voterconnect.lovable.app/voter-connect-logo.png" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://voterconnect.lovable.app/articles/from-independent-to-republican" }, "description": "The author recounts their journey from being an unaffiliated voter to serving as a Republican state representative, arguing that self-reflection led them to realize their values aligned with the Republican Party and encouraging others to examine their own political beliefs.", "datePublished": "2026-08-03T23:27:08.968552+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-08-03T23:27:08.968552+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Sally Perz" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://voterconnect.lovable.app/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Articles", "item": "https://voterconnect.lovable.app/articles" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "FROM “INDEPENDENT” TO REPUBLICAN!?", "item": "https://voterconnect.lovable.app/articles/from-independent-to-republican" } ] } ] --- [![VoteR](/assets/voter-logo-light-D4J3N2RF.png)](/) [Home](/)[About](/about)[Issues](/issues)[Events](/events)[Candidates](/candidates)[Races](/offices)[Articles](/articles) Toggle theme [Donate](/donate) [Log in](/login)[Sign up](/register) Toggle menu [](/)[Articles](/articles)FROM “INDEPENDENT” TO REPUBLICAN!? [Back to Articles](/articles) # FROM “INDEPENDENT” TO REPUBLICAN!? Opinion Sally Perz Published August 3, 2026 The author recounts their journey from being an unaffiliated voter to serving as a Republican state representative, arguing that self-reflection led them to realize their values aligned with the Republican Party and encouraging others to examine their own political beliefs. Yes, I was what was called an “Independent Voter” when I received a call from a recruiter for the Republican caucus about running for the position of “State Representative”! I didn’t even know I had a state representative, nor did I know what that role was. I had never been involved politically. What had I been doing? Well. Along with my husband, we were raising our 5 children, Joe was working at Central Catholic, I led a management consulting firm, was on more than one Board of Directors, involved in each of our kids’ schools and our church. Why in the world would this guy want to talk with me???? I agreed to meet. That led to me going to Columbus to see this thing called “the legislature”. Meet with some state reps and attend a committee meeting. I began to realize that I could actually impact statewide policy. That was really intriguing. Next, came a series of meetings in which I was asked to get clear on several issues – not told how to think but what my position actually was on various items. That was an interesting process, for sure. As in the busyness of my life, I hadn’t taken the time for such probing! That’s when it became clear to me, I really leaned Republican even tho’ I never voted Republican in a primary. I actually shunned primaries as I would have to declare a party! Fast forward to winning 4 campaigns (as a Republican in Toledo) and serving in the legislature. That’s another story (as the saying goes)! “Independent” voters of the past are now called “Unaffiliated” voters. They vote but if in a primary, they vote “Issues Only” and do not declare a party. I now understand the importance of aligning and declaring the party one most identifies with (another story for another time!). My story leaves me wondering how many others, if given the opportunity to “soul search” would discover they really are Republican at the core of their beliefs – • smaller government, • lower taxes, • less restrictions on business, • choice in education for one’s children, • and more. Today, there is even more of a difference between the Republican and Democrat party platforms or beliefs than ever before. It’s a healthy difference, making it even easier to make a choice. That’s why I support qualified Republican candidates in Lucas County and statewide. That’s why I give my time to coach certain candidates and live for the day they can get elected as a Republican in Toledo and in Lucas County! We truly need the balance of honest debate in office because there is a difference in the beliefs, votes and actions of the those who hold the labels of these two parties! 1 likes 0 comments ### Share this article Help spread the word Share: ## Other Articles You Might Like [ ### An Open Letter to ALL Lucas County Republicans Opinion We are here for one purpose: ELECTING REPUBLICANS. Period. #lucascounty #elections Toby Miller Mar 17, 2026 Read ](/articles/an-open-letter-to-all-lucas-county-republicans)[ ### Strength for Peace: Why a Transitional Iran Aligns with America First Opinion America does not need another never ending war in the Middle East. We need a strategy that prevents a larger conflict before it begins. If U.S. and Israeli actions create space for a transitional government in Iran, it could mean greater safety for Iranians and stronger security for America. America First means acting with strength and limits to deter bigger wars and create leverage for lasting peace. Don Miller Mar 1, 2026 Read ](/articles/strength-for-peace-why-a-transitional-iran-aligns-with-america-first)[ ### Momentum, Pride, and Prosperity: Why This State of the Union Matters Opinion Last night’s State of the Union reminded us what strong leadership looks like. From honoring the USA hockey team to highlighting a surging economy, the President laid out a bold vision for America’s future. Now the mission is clear: protect this momentum, win in November, and give this administration the full four years needed to finish the job. Don Miller Feb 25, 2026 Read ](/articles/momentum-pride-and-prosperity-why-this-state-of-the-union-matters) ### Comments (0) Log in to join the conversation Log in to comment No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts! ### Get Involved ## Join VoteR Become a member and help grow conservative grassroots action. [Join VoteR](/register) ## Donate Support our mission with a one-time or recurring donation. [Donate](/donate) ## Join the Mailing List Get updates on new articles, events, and actions. [Join Mailing List](/mailing-list) [View All Articles](/articles) ## Join VoteR Become a member and help grow conservative grassroots action. [Join VoteR](/register) ## Donate Support our mission with a one-time or recurring donation. [Donate](/donate) ## Join the Mailing List Get updates on new articles, events, and actions. [Join Mailing List](/mailing-list) [![VoteR](/assets/voter-logo-light-D4J3N2RF.png)](/) Empowering citizens to engage with democracy. Together, we can build a more participatory future for everyone. [info@voterpac.org](mailto:info@voterpac.org) #### Platform - [Issues](/issues) - [Events](/events) - [Candidates](/candidates) - [Community](/community) #### Resources - [About Us](/about) - [How to Vote](/how-to-vote) - [Get Involved](/donate) - [Community](/community) #### Legal - [Privacy Policy](/privacy) - [Terms of Service](/terms) - [Accessibility](/accessibility) © 2026 TetraCore. All rights reserved. Made with for democracy VoteR PAC is a registered Political Action Group. Contributions are not tax-deductible. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in an election cycle.