A district-level survey of 940 registered voters in Iowa's 1st Congressional District tested an independent candidate's viability against major-party opponents. Key findings include:
On a today ballot test, the Democratic candidate led with 32%, followed by the Republican candidate at 28.3%, with 27.6% undecided and Michael Bridgford drawing 10.4% — despite 70% of voters having never heard of him.
66.2% of respondents said they were open to considering an independent candidate willing to work with both parties.
77.9% said a candidate's positions matter as much as or more than party affiliation when deciding how to vote.
58.7% said they would visit an independent candidate's website to learn more.
Among self-identified independents, 74.9% expressed openness to an independent candidate, yet 64% had never heard of Bridgford and 39% remained undecided on the ballot.
Note: Results are unweighted. Figures should be treated as directional rather than precise.
