Independent voters now make up the largest share of the American electorate. According to Gallup, 43% of Americans identified as independents in both 2023 and 2024, a number that has held steady into 2025. That figure is higher than either Democrats or Republicans, both of whom continue to fall below 30%. With Elon Musk announcing his plan to start the America Party and positioning it as an alternative to both major parties, it is worth asking: What issues do these independents who reject party labels actually care about?  

According to the latest Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll published in June, the answer starts with the economy. Forty-one percent of independents named inflation as their top issue, more than any other concern. That is higher than either Democrats (37%) or Republicans (40%). The next most cited issue, restoring American values of merit and competence, comes in at 15%. Immigration ranks third at 11%. 

Other issues fall much lower. Crime and climate change are each named by 7% of independents. Tariffs and trade policy come in at 6%. Abortion, racial equity, and gun policy are each cited by 5% or fewer. These numbers suggest that many issues dominating partisan headlines are secondary to independents. 

Here is how independents rank the top issues, along with which party they trust more to handle each: 

Trust data comes from a Unite America analysis of party issue ownership, which suggests that Republicans are seen as stronger on economic and security issues, while Democrats lead on climate, health, and rights-based issues. 

But crucially, both major parties remain underwater in terms of approval. According to June 2025 polling, the Republican Party has an approval rating of 47%, while the Democratic Party is lower at 42%. That dissatisfaction is part of what has made independents the most critical swing group in national politics. 

The political takeaway is simple. Partisan culture war narratives do not drive independents. Their top priorities are material and institutional issues like economic stability, immigration control, and restoring trust and competence. Any party that wants to win this group must lead on affordability, project competence, and stay focused on results over rhetoric. Elon Musk is betting his new party can do precisely that. Time will tell if voters agree.