Big Picture

When It Comes To Sports, Independent Voters Are The New Starting Lineup

Stats don’t lie: Pro athletes are breaking the two party mold. New research from VoteHub reveals that professional athletes are actually more likely to be politically independent than the rest of the country. Majority of the NFL, NHL, and NBA are independent, while the WNBA and MLB show much stronger partisan leans.

But the biggest takeaway? Athletes, as a whole, are checking the “Independent” box just like the rest of the general population.

In this week’s newsletter… The American political landscape is shifting beneath our feet. With a record-high 45% of voters now identifying as independent, the "exhausted majority" is increasingly prioritizing pragmatic results over party loyalty—particularly regarding healthcare costs, which remain the top economic concern across the board. From the entry of a healthcare "disruptor" in the Arizona governor’s race to a massive push for open primaries in Oklahoma, this issue explores how the partisan divide is being challenged everywhere from the ballot box to the professional sports arena.

NUMBER TO KNOW

85%

85% say of respondent's in Independent Center Voice's latest polling said that
"we can do better" when it comes to the state of our current political climate.

This Week’s Independent Ideas

When It Comes To Healthcare, Who Do Independent Voters Trust The Most?

Craig Palosky writes on this KFF poll that identifies healthcare costs as the primary economic concern for voters heading into the midterms. Notably, independent voters trust Democrats over Republicans by a significant margin to handle healthcare affordability and the ACA. With nearly half of the electorate citing these costs as a major influence on their vote, the issue remains a critical focal point for candidates seeking to win over the political center. Click here to read the full article!

Do Independents Hold The Keys To Democrats November Chances?

This column by Manzanita Miller argues that the rising number of independent voters poses a significant threat to the Democratic Party's traditional electoral strategy. It suggests that as voters flee partisan labels due to dissatisfaction with the status quo, Democrats are losing their historic edge with key demographics who now prioritize economic results over party loyalty. The piece concludes that unless the party pivots to address the specific, non-partisan concerns of this growing "middle," the shift toward independence will continue to erode their base and benefit their opposition. Click here to read the full article!

Could An Independent Candidate Be Arizona’s Next Governor?

Hugh Lytle, a healthcare executive and former athlete, has entered Arizona's 2026 gubernatorial race as a candidate for the newly formed Arizona Independent Party (AIP). Positioning himself as a "disruptor" aiming to bridge the state's intense partisan divide, Lytle’s candidacy is seen by political consultants as a potential spoiler that could disproportionately impact incumbent Governor Katie Hobbs by siphoning off centrist and independent votes. While third-party candidates face significant structural and legal hurdles in Arizona, the AIP’s lower signature requirements and the state's growing population of non-affiliated voters make Lytle a significant wild card in an already competitive race. Click here to read the full article in Arizona Capitol Times.

Ok Sooner! Open Primary Supporters Surge In Oklahoma

Supporters of a ballot initiative in Oklahoma have submitted over 150,000 signatures to the Secretary of State to replace closed primaries with a "top-two" open system. The measure aims to allow all voters, including the state’s growing independent population, to participate in a single primary for state and federal offices. Proponents argue the change will foster more representative governance, while party leaders contend it undermines the parties' rights to choose their own nominees. Click here to read the full article in Oklahoma Voice.

Partner Spotlight

Unite America

Our friends at Unite America highlight findings from a national survey showing that a broad, cross-partisan majority of voters blame party primaries for fueling political division and congressional gridlock. According to the poll, over 70% of Americans support shifting to open primaries, believing this reform would produce more representative candidates and incentivize lawmakers to focus on solving major issues rather than catering to their party’s base. Click here to read the full article!

Grand Bargain Project

Our friends at Grand Bargain Project explore the growing segment of "Policy First" independent voters who prioritize pragmatic solutions over partisan loyalty. It argues that while the traditional two-party system relies on ideological purity, a rising number of Americans are identifying as independent because they feel neither party effectively addresses complex national issues like economic stability and infrastructure. Click here to read the full article. Also, check out their app by clicking this link and offering your independent insights!

Fresh from the IC

Why Independent Voters Hold The Key To A Functional Democracy

America’s political dysfunction is a structural problem caused by a rigid two-party duopoly that rewards conflict over governance. Senior Fellow from Center for American Progress, Luke Zahner, suggests that the solution lies in leveraging the growing population of independent voters to establish a disciplined, third-force bloc within the House of Representatives. By holding the balance of power, these independents could break the partisan deadlock, force institutional reform, and restore accountability to the democratic process. Click here to read the full article!

The Independent Center is the go-to organization for information, research, and engagement with independent voters, who now make up the plurality 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.