About 40% of both Democratic and Republican leaners now say disagreement on issues is a major reason they don’t identify as partisans
% who say each of the following is a major reason why they lean toward, but not identify with, their preferred party
Note: Leaners are those who do not identify as Republican or Democratic (identifying as independent or with another party) and lean toward either the Republican or Democratic Party. No answer responses are not shown.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted May 26–June 1, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
About 40% of both Democratic and Republican leaners now say disagreement on issues is a major reason they don’t identify as partisans
% who say each of the following is a major reason why they lean toward, but not identify with, their preferred party
| Year | Statement | Lean Rep | Lean Dem |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | I disagree with the party on some important issues | 41 | 40 |
| 2022 | I disagree with the party on some important issues | 31 | 30 |
| 2018 | I disagree with the party on some important issues | 37 | 38 |
| 2016 | I disagree with the party on some important issues | 40 | 33 |
| 2026 | I am frustrated with the party’s leaders | 40 | 44 |
| 2022 | I am frustrated with the party’s leaders | 39 | 40 |
| 2018 | I am frustrated with the party’s leaders | 44 | 38 |
| 2016 | I am frustrated with the party’s leaders | 52 | 28 |
| 2026 | I don’t care enough about politics to identify with a party | 27 | 25 |
| 2022 | I don’t care enough about politics to identify with a party | 21 | 19 |
| 2018 | I don’t care enough about politics to identify with a party | 22 | 18 |
| 2016 | I don’t care enough about politics to identify with a party | 14 | 17 |
Note: Leaners are those who do not identify as Republican or Democratic (identifying as independent or with another party) and lean toward either the Republican or Democratic Party. No answer responses are not shown.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted May 26–June 1, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
