The religious left makes a play for red-state conservatives
Summary
Democratic candidates in Texas and Kansas are focusing on their Christian faith to connect with voters in states that usually vote Republican. These campaigns challenge the traditional hold of conservative Christians on religious voters and could help Democrats win important Senate seats.Key Facts
- James Talarico (Texas) and Adam Hamilton (Kansas) are Democrats who highlight their Christian faith in their campaigns.
- Both Texas and Kansas are strongly Republican states, with President Trump winning them by large margins in 2024.
- Neither state has elected a Democratic senator in many years; Kansas last did in 1932.
- White evangelical Christians mostly support Republicans, but other Christian groups are more mixed or lean Democratic.
- Talarico is a Presbyterian seminary student and visits Black churches to broaden support.
- Hamilton is a United Methodist pastor aiming to appeal to moderate and less active Christian voters.
- Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock, a Black pastor, was elected in 2021, showing faith can play a role for Democrats.
- Some Democratic candidates in other states with religious backgrounds are also running and seeking to connect with faith-based voters.
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