Independents Finished Ahead of Democrats in Four Red States, and Got an Election Night of Their Own

Republicans won just 38% of independent voters, their worst showing since 1998. Weeks after Matthew McConaughey said independents "belong in the fight," United Independents and DeFiance Media aired the first Election Night built around them; live from the National Press Club in five languages, with former presidential candidates Andrew Yang and Marianne Williamson.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2026 midterms were called a blue wave; the numbers say independent voters drove it. While no independent candidates won a Senate seat, the results broke from prior cycles. Four independents each took more than a third of the vote in state-wide races:

• Dan Osborn, about 44% in Nebraska
• Brian Bengs, 39.5% in South Dakota
• Seth Bodnar, about 38% in Montana
• Todd Achilles, about 34% in Idaho

Each of these candidates have broken records for votes earned for an independent in their state.

In Alaska, Bill Hill holds about 40% in a House race still uncalled. A record 45% of U.S. adults identify as independents, according to Gallup, more than either major party.

Matthew McConaughey said in a viral video that independents "belong in the fight" as potential winners. On Election Night, that case had a national stage. Election Night 2026: Independent Edition ran eight hours live from the National Press Club, presented by United Independents and produced and distributed by DeFiance Media. Former presidential candidates Andrew Yang and Marianne Williamson joined, with Nirvana co-founder Krist Novoselic, former Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey and Jimmy Dore among a dozen guests.

The broadcast marked several Election Night firsts:

• Built around independents. Believed to be the first national Election Night results broadcast organized around independent voters and candidates. Networks have long covered independents; this made them the premise.
• Five languages at once. Believed to be the first U.S. election-night program offered to broadcasters as a live pool feed in five languages, with live AI translation by Lingopal.
• Built on AP data. Believed to be the first independent-centered Election Night broadcast built on Associated Press election data.

On November 3, independents had competitive candidates and an Election Night of its own. Replay, and guest segments available on request.

Use images and guest clips from the broadcast.

Watch the broadcast: Election Night 2026: Independent Edition

Media Contact: Shaun Saunders
[email protected]

SOURCE DeFiance Media