"Rise of Independent Party ID Signals Shift in Political Landscape"
In 2023, 43% of U.S. adults identified as independents, tying the record high from 2014, while a record-low 27% identified as Democrats, equaling the Republican figure. Republicans maintained a slight edge in leaned party identification, with 45% identifying as Republicans or leaning toward the GOP, compared to 43% for Democrats or Democratic leaners. Ideological identification remained steady, with 36% identifying as conservative, 36% as moderate, and 25% as liberal. The upcoming presidential election is likely to see a drop in the percentage of political independents, making it critical for both parties, especially Democrats, to nominate a candidate who can appeal to independent voters.