The Reform Party

Active: 1995-present. Founded by Ross Perot, the Reform Party emerged as a centrist alternative focused on fiscal responsibility, political reform, and trade policy.

Origins and Formation

The Reform Party grew out of Ross Perot's independent 1992 presidential campaign, which received 19% of the popular vote - the highest third-party result since 1912. Perot officially founded the party in 1995 for his 1996 presidential run.

Core Principles

Economic Reform

  • Balanced budget
  • Deficit reduction
  • Trade reform
  • Campaign finance reform

Political Reform

  • Term limits
  • Lobbying restrictions
  • Direct democracy initiatives
  • Electoral reform

Notable Candidates

Ross Perot (1996)

Party founder, received 8.4% of popular vote

Pat Buchanan (2000)

Conservative commentator, controversial nomination led to party split

Jesse Ventura

Former Minnesota Governor (1999-2003), most successful Reform Party officeholder

Donald Trump

Briefly sought Reform Party nomination in 2000 before withdrawing

Key Moments

1995

Party founded by Ross Perot

1998

Jesse Ventura elected Governor of Minnesota

2000

Internal conflicts lead to party split

2004

Party influence significantly diminished

Major Issues and Campaigns

  • Opposition to NAFTA and free trade agreements
  • National debt reduction
  • Government reform and accountability
  • Campaign finance reform
  • Direct democracy initiatives

Legacy and Impact

Trade Policy

Influenced debate on NAFTA and globalization

Deficit Politics

Brought national debt into political spotlight

Electoral Reform

Advanced discussion of alternative voting methods

Current Status

While still technically active, the Reform Party has significantly declined from its 1990s peak. However, many of its core issues - particularly regarding trade policy, political reform, and fiscal responsibility - continue to influence American political discourse.

The party's emphasis on populist economic nationalism and political outsider status foreshadowed later political developments, including aspects of both the Tea Party movement and Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.