The Independent Center’s September 2025 survey shows younger voters driving a shift toward independence while older generations remain tied to the two-party system.
The Independent Center’s 2025 nationwide generational survey reveals a striking divide in how Americans view politics, priorities, and the future.
Younger generations are leading a shift toward independence: 32% of Gen Z identify as pure independent, the highest of any age group, and nearly half see independents as offering a “new perspective” rather than acting as spoilers. Millennials and Gen X also show significant openness to split-ticket voting and more ballot choices, while Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation remain more loyal to the two-party system.
Generational priorities differ sharply. Gen Z and Millennials emphasize jobs, affordability, education, and social reform, while older Americans focus more on immigration, national security, and government spending. The personal outlook gap is also dramatic: 51% of Gen Z expect to be better off next year, compared to just 21% of Baby Boomers.
Despite differences, common ground exists: across generations, healthcare ranks as the top personal concern, and a majority favor reforms that emphasize compromise and lasting solutions over partisan flip-flopping.
Overall, the data suggests America is at a crossroads between generations, with younger voters redefining independence not as detachment but as demand for collaboration and structural reform.
