U.S. perceived need for a third major political party 2003-2024

Published by
Abigail Tierney,
Oct 23, 2024

The statistic shows a representative survey on the public view in the United States whether a third major political party is needed or not, from 2003 to 2023. As of October 2024, about 58 percent of Americans expressed the need of a third party, while only 37 percent of respondents stated that both parties do an adequate job in representing the American people.

In your view, do the Republican and Democratic parties do an adequate job of representing the American people, or do they do such a poor job that a third major party is needed?

CharacteristicDo adequate jobThird party needed
2024 37% 58%
2023 34% 63%
2022 40% 56%
2021 35% 60%
2020 33% 62%
2019 40% 57%
2018 38% 57%
2017 34% 61%
2016 37% 57%
2015 38% 60%
2014 35% 58%
2013 26% 60%
2012 45% 46%
Showing entries 1 to 13 (19 entries in total)
Created with Highcharts 7.2.2Share of respondents56%56%45%45%39%39%47%47%35%35%38%38%45%45%26%26%35%35%38%38%37%37%34%34%38%38%40%40%33%33%35%35%40%40%34%34%37%37%40%40%48%48%57%57%47%47%58%58%55%55%46%46%60%60%58%58%60%60%57%57%61%61%57%57%57%57%62%62%60%60%56%56%63%63%58%58%Do adequate jobThird party needed2003200620072008201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
20%30%40%50%60%70%

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Release date

October 2024

Region

United States

Survey time period

2003 to 2024

Number of respondents

About 1,000 each poll

Age group

18 years and older

Method of interview

Telephone interview

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