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

Gallup poll finds equal shares of Americans identify as Republicans and Democrats, as independents gain ground

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:15pm

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According to a Gallup poll conducted throughout 2025, 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 rise in independent voters could reshape the electorate in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, as both parties will have to appeal to independents to win tight races.

Why it matters

The increase in independent voters comes as the U.S. political climate remains highly polarized, with both the Republican and Democratic parties struggling to maintain their bases. Independents could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of key midterm races, as neither party holds a clear advantage. This shift in voter affiliation also reflects broader generational changes, with younger Americans more likely to identify as independents compared to older generations.

The details

The Gallup poll, conducted among 13,454 U.S. adults nationwide, found that the 45% of Americans who identified as political independents in 2025 represents a record high since Gallup started measuring in 1988. The previous high for independents was 43% in 2014, 2023 and 2024. The poll also found that an equal share of Americans, 27% each, identified as Republicans and Democrats.

  • The Gallup poll was conducted throughout 2025.

The players

Karine Jean-Pierre

A former White House press secretary under the Biden administration who became an independent after serving in the administration.

Thomas Nickel

An 85-year-old California resident who left the Democratic Party because he believes the party has 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, last year and cited the 'divisive' and 'hateful' political climate as a reason for leaving the Republican Party.

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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.”

— A 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, Former independent mayoral candidate in Jackson, Mississippi

“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 work to appeal to this growing bloc of unaffiliated voters.

The takeaway

The rise in independent voters reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the two-party system and a desire for more moderate, pragmatic solutions to the country's challenges. As the midterm elections approach, political parties will need to find ways to engage with and address the concerns of independent voters in order to secure victory.