Generation Independent
New Gallup data shows a record-high share of Americans now identify as independents, and Gen Z is leading the pack.
A record-high share of Americans are identifying as political independents, and Gen Z is leading the charge. That’s according to new Gallup data showing that more than half of Gen Z identifies as an independent.
THE NUMBERS: According to Gallup, more than 1 in 2 (56%) Gen Z adults considers themselves a political independent, while just 27% of Gen Z adults say they’re a Democrat and 17% say they’re a Republican.
Gen Z adults are the most likely adults to call themselves independent, but millennials are close behind at 54%.
42 of Gen X, 33% of Baby boomers, and 30% of the Silent Generation say they’re an independent.
SO WHAT: While young adults are traditionally less tied to political parties, it’s noteworthy that Gen Z takes that further, identifying as independent at higher rates than previous generations did at their age.
Looking back…
In 2012, 47% of millennials called themselves an independent.
And in 1992, just 40% of Gen X adults said the same.
DRIVING THEIR DISAFFECTION: Both parties’ brands are struggling. When we asked young voters in our 2026 prediction listening sessions what comes to mind when they think of the Democratic and Republican parties, respondents chose words like “weak,” “broken,” “useless,” and in “decline.” For years, this generation has shown they reject the establishment status quo and don’t want to be a part of a system they feel doesn’t represent them. That extends to traditional political labels.
THE UP AND UP’S TAKE: The string of chaos that has defined Gen Z’s childhood, along with the hyper-polarized political climate of the Trump-era and siloed social media algorithms of the past decade have left today’s youngest American adults increasingly disillusioned with party politics.
Instead, Gen Z’s politics are driven more by culture, geography, education, gender, and even things like healthcare status than partisan affiliation.
In 2026, young voters are hungry for a ‘people-first’ approach, i.e. a vision that addresses the issues central to their lives above all else. Whether that means a candidate like Zohran Mamdani in 2025 or Donald Trump in 2024, there are clear ways to message effectively to young people using a modern playbook that defies traditional political norms, traverses new media, and focuses on topics central to improving their day-to-day quality of life.
In other news
Noteworthy reads
How AI is shrinking the job market for teens, Wailin Wong, Stephan Bishaha, Corey Bridges, Kate Concannon for NPR
Gen Z isn’t quiet quitting, they’re side hustling, Sami Sparber for Axios
Gen Zers aren’t talking — and it could cost them, Maryellen MacDonald for The Washington Post
Interesting. Where do "they" put SOCIALISTS and DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS?