Carlos De Castro Pretelt — Colombian-born U.S. Army veteran and former independent candidate — is building the Hispanic & Latino Committee of the Forward Party to amplify civic engagement and political representation for one of America's largest communities. Their work recruiting candidates, cultivating civic leaders, and advocating for electoral reform aligns closely with Independent Center Voice's mission to reduce polarization and empower independent, solutions-driven politics.
Carlos De Castro Pretelt's path to political advocacy is anything but conventional. Born in Colombia, he came to the United States and built a career as a U.S. Army officer, spending years strengthening partnerships between America and allies around the world. That experience — navigating complex institutions, building trust across cultures, and working toward shared goals — shaped a worldview grounded in pragmatism and service.
After his military career, that same sense of mission led him to run for office as an independent candidate. Frustrated by the dysfunction of a two-party system that too often prioritizes partisan warfare over practical solutions, Carlos believed that communities deserved representatives willing to put results ahead of party loyalty. His campaign became a vehicle for ideas that transcend the left-right divide: stronger civic engagement, more responsive government, and electoral reforms — including ranked choice voting — that give voters real power over their representation.
Today, Carlos is channeling that energy into growing the Hispanic and Latino Committee of the Forward Party, a group dedicated to bringing greater political advocacy and civic engagement to one of the country's largest and most dynamic communities. The committee's mission is to build a meaningful bridge between national politics and the lived experiences of Hispanic and Latino Americans — ensuring their voices aren't just counted, but genuinely heard.
Their work is multifaceted: recruiting and supporting Hispanic and Latino candidates who reflect their community's values, cultivating a network of civic leaders committed to practical results over partisan point-scoring, and fighting for policies that address the unique challenges facing their community. At its core, the committee believes that a more inclusive democracy — one where diverse voices help shape the direction of the country — is also a more effective one.
These goals align closely with what The Independent Center Voice stands for. Reducing polarization, reforming our election system, and creating space for independent, solution-oriented candidates aren't abstract ideals — they're the foundation of a political culture that actually works for people. The Hispanic and Latino Committee of the Forward Party is doing the on-the-ground work to make that vision real.
If you're interested in getting involved or staying informed, visit their page and sign up for their monthly newsletter.