69.5%

69.5% of Americans say they would be likely to vote for a strong, well-funded independent who shared their views and was willing to work across the aisle. And its not just Independents (78.7%) that are the most receptive. Solid majorities of Democrats (71.3%) and Republicans (62.7%) too, and across every age group with 78.7% of those 18–29 and 74.6% of those 30–44. 

The two-party grip is loosening in several state races. Here are the stories this week featuring independent candidates making real moves on the ballot.

1 - Former Sen. Manchin urges Fetterman to ‘set yourself free’ by becoming an independent

Washington Examiner · July 1, 2026 

EXCLUSIVE — Former Sen. Joe Manchin, the Democrat-turned-independent from West Virginia, is recommending that Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) follow in his path and leave the Democratic Party.

2 - Rick Bennett leaves Republican Party to run for governor as an independent

Bangor Daily News · June 24, 2026 

SOUTH PARIS, Maine — State Sen. Rick Bennett, a former Maine Republican Party chair who has stood out for voting against his party, said Tuesday he will join the 2026 gubernatorial race as an independent.

3 - Former Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard nears signature goal for independent candidacy

WISH-TV · June 16, 2026 

Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, running as an independent for Indiana Secretary of State, announced his campaign had submitted about 35,167 of the roughly 36,943 voter signatures required to make the November ballot. Collection continued through the June 30 deadline, with Ballard aiming to bank a cushion in case some signatures are invalidated.

4 - Idaho Gov. Brad Little reports raising more campaign money than all other statewide candidates

Idaho State Journal · June 18, 2026 

Although Gov. Little leads all fundraising, the notable story is independent gubernatorial candidate John Stegner—a retired Idaho Supreme Court justice—who has out-raised every other challenger regardless of party, reporting roughly $365,000 raised, nearly all of it from individual donors.

5 - What Maine's race between Hannah Pingree, Bobby Charles and Rick Bennett will look like

Bangor Daily News · June 20, 2026 

A preview of Maine's three-way governor's race, where independent state Sen. Rick Bennett—a former Maine GOP chair turned unaffiliated candidate—is positioned to scramble the calculus for both Democrat Hannah Pingree and Republican Bobby Charles. Bennett is campaigning on affordability, the economy, and restoring trust in government.

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.