Survey reveals stark generational divides in priorities, outlook and party loyalty, while healthcare emerges as a unifying concern for all generations.
WASHINGTON,D.C. – A new nationwide generational survey from the Independent Center reveals that younger Americans are leading a significant shift in political identity and expectations for the country’s future. The study highlights widening gaps between age groups on issues ranging from economic priorities to trust in the two-party system, while also identifying common ground across generations.
“Young people are reshaping what independence means in American politics, demanding accountability, collaboration and long-term solutions that go beyond the two-party tug-of-war,” said Lura Forcum, President of the Independent Center. “They are focused on the everyday challenges of jobs, affordability, education and paying for healthcare, and they’re unwilling to accept business as usual. This survey shows a rising generation calling for new choices, new leadership and a political culture that actually reflects the challenges they face.”
Major survey findings include:
● Gen Z and Millennials lean independent. Nearly one-third of Gen Z (32%) identify as pure independents—the highest share of any age group. Younger voters are also the most likely to embrace ballot options beyond the two major parties, with nearly half seeing independents as offering a “new perspective” rather than simply playing the role of spoilers.
○ Millennials and Gen X also show significant openness to split-ticket voting and more ballot choices.
○ Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation remain more loyal to the two-party system.
● Generational priorities diverge. Younger Americans place stronger emphasis on jobs, affordability, education and social reform. Older generations, by contrast, are more focused on immigration, national security, and government spending.
○ These gaps reflect different lived experiences:younger respondents are navigating affordability and opportunity, while older voters remain more concerned with stability and security.
● Outlooks differ sharply. Surprisingly, more than half of Gen Z (51%) expect to be personally better off next year, compared to just 21% of Baby Boomers. Optimism declines with age, underscoring a widening perception gap about the nation’s trajectory and economic opportunities.
● Healthcare worries uniteAmericans. Healthcare consistently ranks as the top personal concern across all generations. It is the only issue to emerge as a leading priority for everyage group, suggesting a potential bridge across generational lines, and an issue for independents to take the lead on.
● Desire for lasting solutions. A majority across age groups favor reforms that emphasize compromise and stability over partisan flip-flopping.
○ Younger voters in particular show strong openness to candidates who work across the aisle, reflecting frustration with short-term policymaking that changes with each new administration.
The survey underscores that while America is at a crossroads, opportunities exist to bridge divides. Younger voters are not rejecting politics, but rather demanding systemic reforms and alternatives beyond the two-party framework.
“Younger Americans are not just reshaping political identity, they’re demanding leaders who deliver real solutions instead of partisan posturing,” said Adam Brandon, Senior Advisor at theIndependent Center. “Our data shows a generation ready to hold leaders accountable. If an independent movement is to be successful, it must reach and move those unwilling to accept partisan gridlock: young Americans.”
Methodology
The Independent Center’s 2025 Nationwide OnlineGenerational Survey was conducted September 6–11, 2025, with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 U.S. adults (including 1,700 registered voters).The margin of error is ±2.19% for the full sample. Subgroup margins of error range from ±4.22% to ±7.75%.
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The Independent Center is the go-to organization for information, research, and engagement with independent voters, who now make up the majority of the electorate. We represent those who are fed up with partisan politics and feel politically homeless. We believe the future is not red or blue; it’s fiscally responsible, socially inclusive, and free to choose the best options for ourselves, our families, and our communities.