Growing number of independent voters poses challenges for both parties

The number of registered independent voters is on the rise in the U.S., forcing campaigns to grapple with tough questions about how to target these voters ahead of next year’s midterms and the 2028 presidential election.

According to a recent report from The Hill’s partners at Decision Desk HQ, a majority of U.S. states are reporting their most significant voter registration gains are coming from voters who do not want to be affiliated with a political party. On top of that, exit polling from the 2024 presidential election found that self-identified independents outnumbered registered Democrats.

Experts say one of the main drivers in independent voters is a growing discontent with the two-party system.

“Dissatisfaction with the partisan rancor of our current political environment and a