Voters say they want working-class independent candidates, but that support often doesn't translate to actual votes. A new analysis identifies two other factors that determine whether independents can win.
Early voters in South Dakota show support for independent Senate candidate Brian Bengs, while former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg endorses an independent over a Democrat in Montana.
With Election Day two weeks away, seven independent campaigns for Senate and House seats are at critical moments. From Nebraska to Alaska to Montana, races are tightening or showing surprises in the final stretch.
Independent candidate Bill Hill has closed the gap in Alaska's House race, trailing Republican Nick Begich by just 1-2 points in recent polls as independent voters shift their support.
Independent candidate Bill Hill faces a steep climb in Alaska's House race, as ranked choice voting alone won't get him across the finish line against Republican incumbent Nick Begich without winning over more first-choice voters.
Actor Matthew McConaughey urges voters to consider independent candidates, arguing that voting independent is not a wasted vote but a check on the two major parties.
As Q3 reports land, the strongest independent campaigns of 2026 are raising real money, and Republicans are using the source of those funds to fuel their attacks.
In Montana's Senate race, independent Seth Bodnar faces criticism from both parties while Democratic nominee Alani Bankhead stays in the race despite calls to drop out. The contest will test whether an independent can win without party consolidation.
In Nebraska's Senate race, Republican Pete Ricketts is betting voters will see independent Dan Osborn as a Democrat, while Osborn argues he answers to neither party. The outcome could reshape how independents run for office nationwide.
Candidates who make it on the ballot don't always make it onto debate stages. Debate rules designed by media outlets, commissions, and civic organizations are locking out independent candidates while major party nominees sometimes skip debates altogether.
Polls are important tools to understand where a race stands, and where the electorate is moving. As with all tools, though, it’s important to understand how to use them.
