America’s political divide is deeper than ever—but independents can lead the way to a better future. That's why I'm joining the Independent Center.
The Big Picture
Congress is deadlocked. Instead of tackling pressing national issues like healthcare, the deficit, and immigration, politicians spend more time sniping at each other on social media and cable television.
Meanwhile, toxic polarization makes it nearly impossible to have meaningful political conversations. Disagree with someone, and you’re either a bigot or a snowflake, a socialist or a fascist.
Like many Americans, I’ve had enough. But giving up isn’t an option—which is why I’m joining the Independent Center as its new president. I believe in creating a movement of people who put country over party and fostering thoughtful conversations about policy and values.
Zooming In
The solution
Now more than ever, Americans are searching for a way forward. They’re looking for new ideas that bypass the vitriol and division that have defined the last decade.
The numbers tell the story: party identification is at its lowest level since Gallup began tracking it in 2004.
- In June 2024, Gallup reported that only 23% of respondents identified as Democrats and 25% as Republicans.
- The majority—51%—identified as independents.
This is why many voters opt out of the political system altogether—participation requires wading through a quagmire of dysfunction and partisan infighting. But dropping out leaves politics to the loudest, most extreme voices.
The solution isn’t to push extreme voters out of politics—but to encourage more reasonable Americans to re-engage.
Why independents matter
These reasonable voices belong to political independents—and the Independent Center exists to ensure they are heard.
Our research shows that independent voters:
- Expect effective, fiscally responsible government that tolerates social differences.
- Supported Trump in 2016, Biden in 2020, and Trump again in 2024—not because of party loyalty, but because they demand results.
- Split their tickets in 2024—because neither party has a monopoly on good ideas.
Independent voters aren’t just swing voters—they are a powerful, growing force shaping American politics.
My journey
I’ve seen firsthand how public policy can make lives better—and how poorly designed policies, despite good intentions, can make them worse.
- I started working in legal aid clinics as a graduate student.
- I saw how policies disproportionately harmed poor young people caught in the juvenile justice system.
- I worked in public relations for policy research on regulation and education.
- I earned a PhD in consumer psychology, focusing on social perception and identity.
- After seven years as a marketing professor, I realized my passion lay in combining social psychology and marketing to promote political participation and effective policy.
A call to action
Even though I don’t love political parties, I love our political process. Self-governance is one of humanity’s greatest achievements—but our current division and gridlock threaten it.
We can do better. And independents will lead the way.
Now is the time to get thoughtful people back into politics. I hope you’ll join us.
Independent Lens
America’s political dysfunction won’t fix itself. If thoughtful, independent voters don’t step up, our country will remain trapped in partisan gridlock.
It’s time to rebuild a government that works—and independents must lead the charge.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed and be part of the movement.
