Independent candidates’ platforms vary widely, so it’s important to check.
In two states (Montana and Nebraska), the Independents running for Senate are being treated as Democrats for the purposes of vote swapping.[1] But in all other states and districts, Independents are treated as equivalent to a third party candidate.
19 of the Independent candidates running for the House across the country have joined forces to create the Independent Candidates Network. That Network is not to be confused with the Independence Party (see below).
[1] These two Independents are considered to have a better chance than their respective Democratic candidates of beating the Republican in those two states.