Americans in the 2 major parties have similar patterns of engagement; independents are less engaged
% of U.S. adults who are categorized into each engagement group
Note: Engagement groups are based on a cluster analysis that sorted Americans into four groups based on their responses to 19 questions about political activity, civic involvement, religious attendance and attention to news. “No answer” group includes those who did not answer the question asking if they leaned toward either party. Respondents who were not categorized into an engagement group are not shown.
Source: Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults conducted July 9-Dec. 5, 2025.
“How Americans Are Engaged With News, Politics, Religion and Civic Life”
PEW-KNIGHT INITIATIVE
Americans in the 2 major parties have similar patterns of engagement; independents are less engaged
% of U.S. adults who are categorized into each engagement group
| Mobilizers | Connectors | Spectators | Outsiders | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republicans | 10 | 36 | 26 | 28 |
| Democrats | 13 | 29 | 35 | 23 |
| NET Independent/Other | 6 | 22 | 32 | 39 |
| Lean Rep | 6 | 22 | 34 | 38 |
| Lean Dem | 9 | 24 | 33 | 34 |
| No answer | 2 | 18 | 28 | 50 |
Note: Engagement groups are based on a cluster analysis that sorted Americans into four groups based on their responses to 19 questions about political activity, civic involvement, religious attendance and attention to news. “No answer” group includes those who did not answer the question asking if they leaned toward either party. Respondents who were not categorized into an engagement group are not shown.
Source: Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults conducted July 9-Dec. 5, 2025.
“How Americans Are Engaged With News, Politics, Religion and Civic Life”
PEW-KNIGHT INITIATIVE
