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Poll: What's Driving Independents Away From Both Parties?

  • Writer: Independent Times News
    Independent Times News
  • May 1
  • 2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

The April 2026 Emerson College Polling national survey of likely voters
The April 2026 Emerson College Polling national survey of likely voters.


A Lesson from 1992


In 1992, Texas billionaire Ross Perot jumped into the presidential race as an Independent and caused a real stir. Tired of massive deficits, flat wages, and the nonstop gridlock between Democrats and Republicans, he ended up getting almost 19 percent of the vote. His campaign sent a clear message: when the two major parties stop listening to everyday Americans, Independents will find their own way.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noIt7DUbx8Q
"Remembering Ross Perot, billionaire former presidential candidate." CBS News | Jul 9, 2019 | YouTube | Fair Use Excerpt


Frustration Boiling Over in 2026


That same frustration is back in 2026. An Emerson College national poll, conducted April 24–26 and released April 29th, highlights the depth of the discontent. Among self-identified Independents, 64 percent disapprove of the administration's handling of the economy, 60 percent of immigration, and 61 percent of foreign policy. Another 57 percent called the recent U.S. military strikes in Iran a failure.


Similar patterns appear in other recent surveys. A Reuters/Ipsos poll from late April showed Independents favoring Democrats by 14 points on the generic ballot, while an NPR/PBS/Marist poll in early May found broad Independent disapproval on both the economy and the Iran situation.


These figures are shifting the landscape. On the generic congressional ballot, Independents are breaking strongly for Democrats 50 percent to 31 percent for Republicans. That margin is a key reason Democrats currently hold the lead in most national polls. This growing voting power underscores the importance of independent voters in shaping election outcomes.



April 2026 Emerson College Polling: “Independent voters’ disapproval of the administration’s handling of immigration increased 17 points from last year, 43% to 60%, the economy by 13 points, 51% to 64%, and foreign policy 15 points, 46% to 61%.”
April 2026 Emerson College Polling: “Independent voters’ disapproval of the administration’s handling of immigration increased 17 points from last year, 43% to 60%, the economy by 13 points, 51% to 64%, and foreign policy 15 points, 46% to 61%.”

What This Means for Both Parties


The picture is straightforward. Rising prices, expensive housing, and job worries are hurting the ruling party in the White House. At the same time, many Independents remain unhappy with how both parties are handling the border and international conflicts. They feel neither side is focused on solving real problems and is too busy fighting each other. However, these preferences could evolve as new issues emerge or as parties adapt their strategies, making the 2026 midterm landscape unpredictable.


This movement is already forcing both parties to adjust. Recognizing this growing discontent can help voters and analysts understand the shifting political landscape.


Democrats are reaching out to moderates with promises of cost-of-living relief. Republicans are pushing hard on inflation and tougher border security. With Independents now the biggest voting group in the country, both parties are scrambling to figure out how to win them over. The 2026 midterms will show which side actually speaks to the everyday concerns of this decisive bloc.



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