An "unaffiliated candidate" refers to a person running for a political position who is not associated or connected with any political party. They are independent and not aligned with any specific party's principles or agenda. Full definition
Deadline to submit petitions to county board of elections for verification prior to submitting to State Board of Elections (applies to unaffiliated candidates for statewide office) (ballotpedia.org)
Walsh is a rarity: A politically viable, unaffiliated candidate in a major American city. (syracuse.com)
Democratic and unaffiliated candidates who have formed a gubernatorial candidate committee spoke for 10 minutes each. (courant.com)