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Meet the ‘independent voters’ who will likely decide which party triumphs in the 2026 midterm elections

Republicans and Democrats need to make inroads with independent voters. But the themes that motivate the party faithful may not sit well with independents, who tend to recoil against partisan rancor.

Independent voters play a crucial role in determining the outcome of midterm elections, often deciding which party will triumph. These voters are known for lagging behind both Democrats and Republicans in turnout, making their participation in the polls particularly significant. In recent years, independent voters have shown dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump and policies implemented during his administration, which has resulted in a shift towards the Democratic party.

Despite this, their pro-Democratic stance is not overwhelmingly strong, suggesting that their voting patterns in closely contested House and Senate races could be pivotal in determining the partisan control of Congress.

Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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