politics
March 15, 2026
Independents of America Unite!
Yes, trying to organize a group that’s averse to affiliation is hard. But independents’ uncoordinated approach is self-defeating.
TL;DR
- 45% of American adults identify as political independents, exceeding Republicans (27%) and Democrats (27%).
- Independent candidates face significant hurdles in winning elections due to the structure of the U.S. political system.
- Independents often sit out primaries, leading to general election candidates less aligned with their views.
- Strategies for independents include pushing for nonpartisan redistricting, advocating for open primaries, and championing a more representative Congress.
- Independents are united by a desire to move beyond the binary choice between Republicans and Democrats and end the duopoly on power.
- Younger cohorts, particularly Gen Z, are identifying as independent at higher rates, suggesting this trend will continue.