Record 49% of Americans see themselves as politically independent

Originally reporting per Axios.

Recent news reveals a significant shift in the American political landscape: according to a Gallup poll conducted last month, a record 49% of Americans now identify as politically independent. This figure matches the combined total of those who identify with the two major political parties, Democrats and Republicans.

The key takeaway is that the most prevalent political affiliation in the U.S. is no longer Democrat or Republican, but rather a preference for remaining unaffiliated and open to considering various options.

The implications of this trend are significant. The growing number of independent voters poses challenges to the influence and financial power of the traditional parties. It also sheds light on the volatility and closely divided nature of American politics—a situation that shows no signs of abating in the near future.

Gallup analyst Jeff Jones attributes much of this shift to the attitudes of younger generations. While it has always been common for younger adults to identify as independents more frequently than older adults, Jones notes a departure from past patterns: "What is unusual is that as Gen X and millennials get older, they are staying independent rather than picking a party, as older generations tended to do."

Jones also highlights a broader trend: widespread disillusionment with the political system, U.S. institutions, and the two major parties, which are perceived as ineffective, excessively partisan, and excessively extreme.

tastytrade logo+
Get the best broker for options trading and earn Unusual Whales discounted! in cash with an eligible account deposit at tastytrade. Get an Unusual Whales bonus when you deposit $2000. Offer expires 3/31/25. Certain restrictions, terms and conditions apply.
Unusual Whales does not confirm the information's truthfulness or accuracy of the associated references, data, and cannot verify any of the information. Any content on this site or related pages are not intended to provide legal, tax, investment or insurance advice. Unusual Whales Inc. is not registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) or any state securities regulatory authority. Nothing on Unusual Whales should be construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any security by Unusual Whales or any third party. Options, investing, trading is risky, and losses are more expected than profits. Please do own research before investing. Please only subscribe after reading our full terms and understanding options and the market, and the inherent risks of trading. It is highly recommended not to trade on this, or any, information from Unusual Whales. Markets are risky, and you will likely lose some or all of your capital. Please check our terms for full details.
Any content on this site or related pages are not intended to provide legal, tax, investment or insurance advice. Unusual Whales Inc. is not registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) or any state securities regulatory authority. Nothing on Unusual Whales should be construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any security by Unusual Whales or any third party. Certain investment planning tools available on Unusual Whales may provide general investment education based on your input. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your legal or tax professional regarding your specific situation. See terms for more information.