For independents who lean toward a party, the top reason is perceived harm from the other party’s policies
% of leaners who say each is a major reason for why
they lean toward each party
they lean toward each 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
For independents who lean toward a party, the top reason is perceived harm from the other party’s policies
% of leaners who say each is a major reason for why
they lean toward each party
they lean toward each party
| Reason | Republican leaners | Democratic leaners |
|---|---|---|
| The other party’s policies are bad for the country | 56 | 64 |
| My party’s policies are good for the country | 34 | 27 |
| I feel like my party sticks up for people like me | 23 | 28 |
| I have a lot in common with my party | 22 | 21 |
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
