Washington, D.C. — A record share of Americans now identify as political independents, according to new Gallup data, underscoring growing dissatisfaction with the two-party system and shifting partisan dynamics ahead of future elections.
Gallup surveys conducted throughout 2025 found that 45 percent of U.S. adults consider themselves independents, up from 43 percent in 2024 and matching the highest level ever recorded. Two decades ago, roughly one-third of Americans identified that way, highlighting a long-term erosion of formal party affiliation. For more than 15 years, independents have consistently represented the largest political group in the country.
Despite rejecting party labels, many independents still lean toward one side. Among those identifying as independent, 47 percent now say they lean Democratic, compared with 42 percent who lean Republican. That marks a reversal from the previous three years, when independents tilted slightly toward the GOP. Overall, when combining party members and leaning independents, Democrats currently hold a five-point advantage nationally.
Gallup also found that nearly half of Americans now describe themselves as politically moderate, even as polarization between Democratic and Republican officials continues to intensify. Younger Americans, in particular, are driving the rise in independent identification, reflecting frustration with both parties rather than durable loyalty to either.
Gallup cautioned that independent voters remain fluid and motivated largely by dissatisfaction with the party in power, a pattern that could contribute to frequent swings in political control rather than long-term realignment. The survey included interviews with more than 13,000 adults and has a margin of error of one percentage point.
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