A record 45% of American adults now identify as political independents. According to Gallup polling, the percentage of Americans identifying as independent reached the highest level ever recorded in the survey’s history over the past three decades. The figure surpasses the previous high of 43%, seen in 2014, 2023, and 2024, signaling growing dissatisfaction with both major parties.
Much of the surge is driven by younger Americans. Gallup found that 56% of Gen Z adults now describe themselves as independent, continuing a trend of younger voters breaking away from traditional partisan affiliation.
Despite Republicans controlling both the White House and Congress last year, Democrats held an eight-point advantage over Republicans when combining party identification and partisan leaning. The reversal from 2024 could provide Democrats with momentum heading into the upcoming midterm elections.
Independents have been the largest political group in most years Gallup has surveyed, but the latest data reinforces a broader shift: more Americans are signaling frustration with the two-party system even as political polarization escalates nationwide.
