A record 45% of Americans now identify as political independents, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape during the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, according to a new Gallup survey released Monday.

The figure represents an all-time high, surpassing the previous record of 43% measured in 2014, 2023, and 2024. Meanwhile, identification with both major parties has decreased, with Democrats and Republicans each claiming just 27% of U.S. adults.

This trend toward political independence appears to be driven largely by generational changes. Approximately 56% of Generation Z adults now consider themselves independents, compared to 47% of millennials in 2012 and 40% of Generation X adults in 1992. The data suggests a growing disillusionment with the two-party system among younger Americans.

Despite the rise in independent voters, most still lean toward one of the two major parties. Of the 45% who identify as independents, 20% lean Democratic, 15% lean Republican, and 10% express no preference. This represents a three-point drop in Republican leaners and a three-point increase in Democratic leaners compared to 2024.

When combining party identification with partisan leanings, Democrats hold a five-point advantage. About 47% of Americans identify as Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents, while 42% identify as Republicans or Republican-leaning independents.

This shift ends a three-year period during which Republicans held an advantage in overall party affiliation. The current numbers more closely resemble those seen during Trump’s first term, when Democrats maintained an average lead of approximately five points.

Political analysts suggest several factors may be contributing to the rise in independent identification. Growing frustration with partisan gridlock in Congress, dissatisfaction with the performance of both parties, and the increasing polarization of American politics likely play significant roles.

“What we’re seeing is not necessarily a move to the center, but rather Americans rejecting party labels while still maintaining relatively consistent ideological positions,” explained Dr. Jennifer Lawless, a political scientist at the University of Virginia. “Many independents still vote reliably for one party or the other, but they’re uncomfortable with the partisan identity.”

The rise in independent voters could have significant implications for electoral strategies heading into the 2026 midterm elections. Both parties will need to focus on appealing to these voters, particularly the growing bloc of younger independents who represent the future of the electorate.

For Democrats, the slight advantage among independent leaners offers a potential opportunity to rebuild support after losses in recent election cycles. For Republicans, the challenge will be to reverse the declining trend in party identification despite holding the presidency.

The Gallup findings are based on interviews with more than 13,000 U.S. adults conducted throughout 2025, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of party affiliation in America.

As political polarization continues to dominate headlines, this data reveals a more nuanced reality: an increasing number of Americans are choosing to distance themselves from both major parties while maintaining their own distinct political viewpoints.