Thursday, January 22, 2026

John --

A new Gallup poll shows that 45 percent of Americans now identify as political independents, representing the largest single political identity in the country. Younger voters are leading this shift, with majorities of Gen Z and millennials choosing not to align with either major party. Millions of Americans no longer feel represented by the traditional Republican and Democratic labels. This growing independent majority reflects deep frustration with a political system that seems more focused on party loyalty than solving real, everyday problems.

That frustration shows up across other national polling as well. A New York Times/Siena survey released on January 22 shows President Trump’s job approval is underwater, with more voters disapproving than approving of his performance. A majority of respondents say the country is worse off now than a year ago and express broad dissatisfaction with leadership. These trends underscore a widespread hunger for alternatives to the familiar partisan battles that have dominated American politics.

This widespread dissatisfaction has created a powerful opportunity for the Forward Party. As more Americans reject the two-party duopoly, Forward is building the infrastructure to offer a genuine alternative rooted in collaboration, transparency, and problem solving. Forward now has ballot access in seven states and is working to expand that access even further this year, enabling more voters to see Forward candidates directly on their ballots. Even before the end of January, the party has already received endorsement applications from more than 100 prospective candidates for the 2026 cycle, a remarkable level of interest so early in the year. This growing roster reflects the fact that Americans are ready for leaders who put people over party politics.

Forward is working from the ground up, launching new state chapters, securing ballot lines, and recruiting candidates who are committed to practical solutions and accountable governance. If you are tired of toxic politics and frustrated by gridlock, you are not alone. You are part of a growing majority that wants leaders who listen to their communities and focus on problem solving. Forward is here to turn that frustration into lasting reform and to build a political movement that works for everyday people, not for party bosses.

The Forward Party Team

Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidate Mike Newcome | Andrew Yang Podcast

On this episode, Andrew hosts independent and Forward Party candidate for governor of Minnesota, Mike Newcome. Mike argues that both major parties have failed ordinary citizens through corruption, mismanagement, and polarization. He highlights issues like the $250 million COVID-era fraud scandal and the divisive response to ICE raids, calling for “common-sense leadership” that prioritizes solutions over partisanship.

A Third Party Senator, a 'teacher of the year' and an 'ordinary citizen.' Meet Utah's new lawmakers | Utah News Dispatch

Students at Duke recently formed a chapter of the Forward Party. Yang, now the party’s co-chair, visited Duke Law School Monday to meet with a group of those student leaders, as well as 10 North Carolina Forward Party representatives, to discuss the future of the party at the University, in North Carolina and across the country.

Recruitment Challenge

The midterm year is upon us and we need as many voters and volunteers as possible to support the incredible candidates we endorse this year! Join Carrie Anne, our Head of Volunteer Programs, to learn how to help us recruit more supporters. We will go over how to talk about Forward with your friends and family, and how to share your recruitment link so you can earn points that are redeemable for items in our merch shop!

If you’re tired of waiting for the system to fix itself — this is your moment.

👥 Volunteer | 🗳️ Run for Office | 💸 Donate | 🌐 forwardparty.com

New High of 45% in US Identify as Polical Independents | Gallup

A record-high 45% of U.S. adults identified as political independents in 2025, surpassing the 43% measured in 2014, 2023 and 2024. Meanwhile, equal shares of U.S. adults — 27% each — identified as either Democrats or Republicans.

In most years since Gallup began regularly conducting its polls by telephone in 1988, independents have been the largest political group. However, the independent percentage has increased markedly in the past 15 years, typically registering 40% or higher, a level not reached prior to 2011.

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