Independents are emerging as a visible force in the 2026 congressional landscape, with a record 45 percent of American adults identifying themselves as unaffiliated with either major party. This season, 173 independent hopefuls have filed to run for the U.S. House, testing whether the growing middle can translate into votes.
The surge comes as voters express fatigue with the extremes of both GOP and Democratic ranks. Candidates argue that an independent platform lets them address local concerns without bowing to party leadership, yet they also confront steep fundraising hurdles and limited debate invitations.
Independent challengers in swing and red districts
Seth Haskin, Florida’s constitutionalist
Six-year-old coffee-shop manager Seth Haskin dresses in a puff-sleeved linen shirt and an 18th-century waistcoat to evoke the Founding Fathers. Running in a Southwest Florida district that has voted for Donald Trump with at least 60 percent of the vote in the past two cycles, Haskin says his campaign’s biggest obstacle is visibility. “Getting their [people’s] attention is the biggest battle that most candidates have,” he explains, noting that independents lack the party machinery that usually amplifies a message. After a narrow Republican primary that saw media mogul Jim Schwartzel win with almost 30 percent, Haskin hopes a double-digit share of the vote will force both parties to reconsider their strategies.
Sarah Zabel, Idaho’s heritage Republican
Former Air Force major general Sarah Zabel describes herself as a “heritage Republican” who grew disillusioned with the “MAGA program” after 2018. Running in Idaho’s western district—a solid Republican stronghold that backed Trump by a 45-point margin in 2024—she positions herself at the political center. “That’s why I decided that I would step forward and be a candidate from the center,” Zabel says, emphasizing that while the district leans conservative, the extreme rhetoric is “a minority.” She refuses to caucus with either party, aiming instead to prove that Idaho is not merely a MAGA enclave.
Blue-state independents eyeing open seats
Shimon Blau, Denver physician
Physician Shimon Blau entered the race for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District after Democratic socialist Melat Kiros upset longtime incumbent Diana DeGette. Disturbed by Kiros’ past antisemitic comments and socialist positions, Blau gathered the required 1,500 signatures in record time. Endorsed by The Denver Gazette on Oct. 6 as the “candidate of conscience,” he argues that in a city as blue as Denver, Republicans are the typical “message candidates,” giving independents a realistic chance. “I think there’s a lot of disillusionment right now with both parties,” Blau remarks, highlighting the electorate’s appetite for a centrist voice.
Bill Hill, Alaskan fisherman
Commercial fisherman Bill Hill, who registered as an independent at 18, is contesting Alaska’s at-large House seat, a race rated as a likely Republican win. Hill points out that Alaskans often blend progressive and conservative views, saying, “People who are registered Republicans often have some progressive viewpoints and people registered as Democrats may have more conservative viewpoints as well.” Currently 12 points behind Republican incumbent Nick Begich in the primary, Hill benefits from a supportive gesture by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, signaling bipartisan recognition of his outsider appeal.
Obstacles and the path forward
Despite 45 percent of adults labeling themselves independents, only one independent—Kevin Kiley of California—holds a seat in the House, and he continues to caucus with Republicans. The 173 independent candidates this fall must navigate ballot-access rules, fundraising gaps, and limited media exposure. Yet many contend that even a modest double-digit vote share will compel the two-party system to adjust. As Haskin asserts, “Even if I don’t win, if I can get double-digit percentage points as an independent candidate, I will get a lot of phone calls from both parties.” The upcoming elections will reveal whether the surge of centrists can translate into a lasting parliamentary presence.
