Republicans Lead US Party Affiliation at 46%

The Republican Party has maintained a slight edge in political affiliation for the third consecutive year, with a Gallup poll indicating that 46% of Americans identify or lean toward the GOP, compared to 45% for the Democratic Party. This shift is attributed to rising dissatisfaction with the Biden administration and the economy, contributing to increased Republican identification among various demographic groups, including Hispanic Americans, young adults, and lower-income individuals. Notably, independent identification has also reached a record high of 43%, highlighting a significant number of voters who are not aligned with either major party. Despite these gains, some groups, such as college graduates and older adults, have shown little change in their political affiliations. The findings suggest a complex landscape for future elections, where independents play a crucial role in party dynamics. The poll was based on over 14,000 telephone interviews conducted throughout 2024.