According to a Gallup survey released in January 2025, a record-high 45% of U.S. adults identified as political independents, surpassing previous highs of 43% recorded in 2014, 2023, and 2024. In contrast, both the Democratic and Republican parties are tied at 27% each in terms of identification.

The increase in independent identification is particularly notable among younger generations. Approximately 56% of Generation Z adults identify as independents, a significant rise from 47% of millennials in 2012 and 40% of Generation X adults in 1992. The survey also reveals that among independents, a greater proportion lean Democratic (20%) compared to those who lean Republican (15%), with 10% not leaning toward either party.

When considering party leanings, about 47% of Americans identify as Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents, while 42% identify as Republicans or Republican-leaning independents. This marks a reversal from a three-year period where Republicans held an advantage in party affiliation, returning to a pattern more akin to that observed during President Donald Trump's first term, when Democrats typically held a five-point lead.

The findings are based on interviews with over 13,000 U.S. adults conducted throughout the year, reflecting a broader trend of disillusionment with the two-party system. This shift in political identification may indicate a growing demand for more equitable representation in the political landscape, particularly as public favorability ratings for both major parties remain low. The ideological landscape also shows changes, with 35% of Americans identifying as conservative and 28% as liberal, leaving 33% as moderates. The conservative advantage over liberals in 2025 is the smallest recorded since 1992, suggesting a gradual shift in ideological identification among the populace.

Democrats have seen an increase in liberal identification, with 59% of Democrats identifying as liberal, up from 33% in 2005. In contrast, Republican identification as conservative has remained steady, with 77% identifying as conservative today compared to 58% in 1994. This evolving political landscape underscores the complexities of voter sentiment and the potential for significant shifts in future elections.