Record-High 45% of Americans Identify as Independents, Reshaping U.S. Politics

Gallup's 2025 poll shows a record 45% of U.S. adults identify as independents, with Democrats and Republicans at 27% each; among independents, 20% lean Democratic, 15% lean Republican, and 10% non-leaners, yielding a 47% Dem-leaning vs 42% Republican-leaning average when leaners are included. Conservative identification (35%) still edges liberal (28%), but the gap is the smallest since 1992 and moderates are 33%. The rise in independents is driven by younger generations—Gen Z (56%) and millennials—reshaping the political landscape, while overall party favorability remains weak for both parties.