independent candidates

There’s growing evidence of a great political shift in America. A record-high 45% of U.S. adults identified as political independents in 2025. Meanwhile an equal share of U.S. adults — 27% each — identified as either Democrats or Republicans. But this means a large share of voters are unrepresented in our two-party political system. As independents rise, how will they have a voice?

Some states make it much easier to get on the ballot as a minor-party presidential candidate, compared with running as an independent. That's why RFK Jr. and Cornel West have made their own parties.