The Independent Center's April 2025 focus groups provide a revealing window into what independent voters are thinking.
The Big Picture: What Is an Independent in Politics?
Across the country, Americans are expressing growing disillusionment with the two-party system. For many, the American Dream feels increasingly out of reach. Escalating living costs, student loan debt, and stagnant wages are creating economic uncertainty. At the same time, extreme partisan polarization and legislative dysfunction are fueling deep distrust in government institutions.
That’s where independent-minded voters step in. If you’re wondering, what is an independent in politics, it’s not just someone who doesn’t belong to the Democratic or Republican party. It’s someone who prioritizes values over partisanship, solutions over slogans, and community over ideology.
This voter segment—long overlooked—is now emerging as a formidable political force, not through any independent party, but as part of a growing movement. The Independent Center is proud to lead that effort.
Zooming In: What We Heard in April 2025
In focus groups held across the country, independent voters consistently expressed frustration that today’s politicians do not represent their lives.
“We want our politicians to have integrity—to stand up to whatever party if needed.”
From rising inflation to inadequate healthcare to soaring housing costs, economic concerns dominated the conversation. But what truly stood out was the tone of these discussions: not just anxious, but clear and principled.
Here’s what participants told us:
- They are tired of being talked down to.
- They crave honesty—even when it’s uncomfortable.
- They want leaders who can admit complexity and reject tribalism.
One standout theme? A widespread preference for candidates not tied to partisan loyalty. Independent voters are increasingly embracing split ticket voting, a signal that they are rejecting party conformity in favor of practical, issue-based decision-making.
Key Findings from the Focus Groups
Economic Anxiety Is Driving Political Behavior
Most participants pointed to rising prices, student loan burdens, and healthcare costs as primary concerns. These issues matter more than party labels. As our research at the Independent Center shows, economic pressure is the top factor influencing how independents vote.
Split Ticket Voting Reflects Independent Thinking
Many voters described voting for candidates from both parties in recent elections—a strong signal of split ticket voting. For example, some supported a Republican for president while backing a Democrat on a local or state ballot. This trend reflects how independent voters generally vote: flexibly, thoughtfully, and independently.
Learn more about split ticket voting and how it’s reshaping American elections.
Authenticity Over Partisan Messaging
Participants are skeptical of scripted campaign messaging and demand transparency. They want leaders who speak plainly about real tradeoffs and are guided by principles, not polling.
Community Values Shape Political Views
Rather than echoing party lines or cable news talking points, participants said their political views are shaped by their families, communities, and lived experiences. This underscores the unique lens through which independents evaluate leadership.
Independent Candidates Are Gaining Momentum
Many participants said they were hopeful about independent candidates and excited about efforts to shake up the system. They pointed out that even a small number of independent voices in Congress could disrupt gridlock and restore accountability.
The Independent PAC, launched by the Independent Center, is built on this idea: by electing just a few independent candidates, we can reshape national dialogue and restore political balance.
The Independent Lens
The takeaway is clear: independents aren’t tuning out—they’re tuning in to a different kind of politics.
This is not about building an independent party. It’s about advancing a movement that reflects the complexity and values of today’s electorate.
From our focus groups, one thing is undeniable: independent voters want collaboration, accountability, and common-sense leadership. They’re not waiting for permission from the parties. They’re demanding a better way forward—one grounded in integrity, inclusion, and real-world solutions.
At the Independent Center, we’re listening—and we’re acting. These insights directly inform our efforts to:
- Provide strategic analysis and original polling
- Educate the public about what is an independent in politics
- Offer tools and messaging for centered, cross-partisan coalition-building
As Hemingway once wrote, change happens “gradually, then suddenly.” The independent movement is building fast—and it’s here to stay.
