Democratic Faith Leaders Seek Red-State Wins in US Midterms
About nine Democratic faith leaders, seminary students and Sunday school teachers are running for federal office in the November 3, 2026 elections, with several campaigns focused on red states. Al Jazeera The highest-profile bid is in Kansas, where Reverend Adam Hamilton is running as a Democrat for a U.S. Senate seat for the state.
Hamilton founded the Church of the Resurrection, considered the largest United Methodist congregation in the United States. The church spans nine campuses and 23,000 members, and Hamilton has authored more than 30 books. No Democrat has won a Senate race in Kansas since 1932.
At least a dozen Democratic faith-leader candidates were on the ballot in primaries earlier in 2026. Candidates in November are competing in states including Iowa, Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee. Among the clergy running for Congress are Frederick Haynes, Sarah Trone Garriott, James Talarico and Lindsay James. NPR
One count found eight pastors, former pastors and seminarians who ran for Congress in 2026 emerged as Democratic nominees. National Catholic Reporter Another count found about half of 12 pastors, seminarians and former clergy who ran as Democrats secured nominations to contest seats in deep red states. PBS
More than 60 percent of Americans identify as Christian. Pew Research Center data put the share of white evangelicals leaning toward the Republican Party at 85 percent in 2024, up from 65 percent in 1994.
Reverend Shannon Fleck is executive director of Faithful America, a progressive Christian advocacy organisation.
Republicans held a 218-214 edge in the U.S. House and a 53-47 majority in the Senate entering the November 3 vote. Reuters Governor races in 39 states are also on the ballot.
