Record-high 45% identify as political independents ahead of midterm elections

Gallup poll shows equal shares of Americans identify as Republicans and Democrats

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:55pm

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A Gallup poll conducted throughout 2025 found that a record-high 45% of Americans identified as political independents, up from previous highs of 43% in 2014, 2023 and 2024. The poll also found that an equal share of Americans, 27% each, identified as Republicans and Democrats. Experts say the growing number of independents could play a key role in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, as both parties will need to appeal to these voters to win tight races.

Why it matters

The rise in political independents comes as the U.S. faces a polarized political climate heading into the high-stakes 2026 midterm elections. Both Republicans and Democrats will need to court independent voters, who could have a significant impact on the outcome of tight races across the country.

The details

The Gallup poll, conducted among 13,454 U.S. adults nationwide, found that younger generations are more likely to identify as independents, with 56% of Gen Z (born 1997-2007) calling themselves independent. In contrast, only 17% of Gen Z identified as Republican, compared to 37% of the Silent Generation (born before 1946). Some independent voters cited frustration with the divisiveness of modern politics and a desire for more moderate, bipartisan solutions, particularly on issues like healthcare.

  • The Gallup poll was conducted throughout 2025.

The players

Karine Jean-Pierre

Former White House press secretary under the Biden administration who became an independent.

Thomas Nickel

An 85-year-old California resident who left the Democratic Party because he believes they have not pushed hard enough for issues like universal health coverage.

Zach Servis

A 27-year-old independent who lost his bid for mayor of Jackson, Mississippi in 2025, citing the 'divisive' and 'polarized' political climate.

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What they’re saying

“I think, in recent years, especially the last decade or so, things have gotten so divisive that it feels like the minority on both sides speak for the majority.”

— Louisiana resident

“I think that independent politics have an opportunity to shape this midterm where some of these parties are going to have to shift a little bit in how they win these voters — and if they're not willing to come a little more to the middle or reach across the aisle, they're going to risk people crossing the aisle entirely and voting even for a party they don't believe in because at least that person's willing to listen.”

— Zach Servis, 27-year-old independent

“I do think there's power amongst independents. The thing that is changing the electorate is changing in the sense of that you're seeing more and more independents.”

— Karine Jean-Pierre, Former White House press secretary

What’s next

The 2026 midterm elections will be a key test for how independent voters shape the political landscape, as both Republicans and Democrats will need to appeal to these voters to win tight races.

The takeaway

The rise in political independents reflects a growing frustration with the divisiveness of modern politics, as voters seek more moderate, bipartisan solutions. Both parties will need to adapt their strategies to court these independent-minded voters in the 2026 midterm elections.