One hundred and seventy-three independent candidates are running for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections, seeking to capitalize on a record-high number of Americans who identify as political independents. While only one independent currently serves in the House, these candidates argue that the increasing polarization of the two major parties has created a vacuum for moderate voters. In districts ranging from solid Republican Idaho to solidly Democratic Denver, independents are campaigning on the premise that they represent a 'necessary relief' for voters disillusioned with party extremes.
The surge in independent candidacies comes as 45% of U.S. adults identify as political independents, according to recent polling data cited by NPR. Despite this demographic shift, the current composition of the House remains dominated by the two major parties. Kevin Kiley, the lone independent in the House, switched from the Republican Party while in office and continues to caucus with Republicans, a move reported by Politico. For the 2026 race, independent candidates are leveraging their non-partisan status to appeal to voters who feel unrepresented by the current leadership in both parties, with some candidates stating that even a double-digit vote share would signal a demand for structural change.
What the Left Is Saying
In competitive swing districts, independent candidates often position themselves as pragmatic alternatives to what they describe as dysfunctional party politics. Michael Bridgford, running in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, stated that voters are tired of the 'dysfunction' from both parties and believe independents can provide a 'stable center' to help government solve problems. The Cook Political Report recently rated Bridgford's district as lean Democratic, highlighting the competitive nature of the race against Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Democratic nominee Christina Bohannan. Bridgford noted that in non-gerrymandered districts, voters are 'more independent minded' and 'middle of the road,' creating a natural attraction to his campaign. In Alaska, independent candidate Bill Hill argued that Alaskans do not 'toe a political line with every vote,' suggesting that independent candidates can better represent the mixed ideological views of the state's constituents.
What the Right Is Saying
Independent candidates in conservative strongholds argue that the Republican Party has shifted away from traditional conservative values toward what they describe as 'MAGA' extremes. Sarah Zabel, a retired Air Force major general running in Idaho’s western district, describes herself as a 'heritage Republican' who stopped feeling aligned with the party during the first Trump administration. Zabel stated that while Idaho remains conservative, the 'extremes you see... are a minority.' She emphasized that her candidacy is about showing the country that Idaho is not a 'MAGA stronghold.' Similarly, Seth Haskin, running in Southwest Florida, argued that both major parties have been 'captured by the same industry leaders and PAC money and foreign lobbies.' Haskin, who wears 18th-century attire to evoke the Founding Fathers' idea of limited government, said his goal is to 'threaten the duopoly' even if he does not win. In Colorado, independent Shimon Blau, a physician, entered the race after Democratic nominee Melat Kiros defeated incumbent Diana DeGette. Blau cited concerns over Kiros’ 'socialist beliefs' and past rhetoric, stating he was 'offended and bothered' by the primary results, positioning himself as a 'candidate of conscience' endorsed by The Denver Gazette.
What the Numbers Show
Polling data indicates that 45% of U.S. adults identify as political independents, a record high, yet only one independent currently serves in the House. In Idaho’s western district, where independent Sarah Zabel is running, Donald Trump won by a 45-point landslide in 2024, and the Cook Political Report rates the seat as solid Republican for incumbent Russ Fulcher. In Southwest Florida, where independent Seth Haskin is running, Trump won at least 60% of the vote in the past two presidential elections. The Republican primary winner, Jim Schwartzel, secured the nomination with nearly 30% of the vote in a crowded field. In Alaska, independent Bill Hill trailed the Republican incumbent Nick Begich by approximately 12 points in the primary. Despite these challenges, the number of independent House candidates has risen to 173 for the 2026 cycle. The Cook Political Report has shifted its rating of Iowa’s 1st District from a toss-up to lean Democratic, reflecting the competitive dynamics in swing states where independents are also vying for votes.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 midterm elections will serve as a test of whether the growing number of self-identified independents translates into electoral success for third-party candidates. While most independents face significant hurdles, including fundraising disparities and limited debate access, candidates like Zabel and Haskin argue that their presence alone challenges the two-party system. Zabel noted that many voters perceive the 'extremes' as the norm, but believe the moderate middle is an 'illusion' that independent campaigns can bust. The outcome in key races, particularly in Alaska and swing districts like Iowa, will indicate whether independent candidates can secure a foothold in Congress or if they primarily function as spoilers or protest votes. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has offered support to some independents, such as Bill Hill in Alaska, signaling a strategic calculation by the major parties regarding the independent vote. As control of Congress may hinge on a handful of tight races, the performance of these 173 candidates could influence future electoral reforms and party strategies.