Pastors Lean Heavily Toward One Presidential Candidate
A recent survey shows that twice as many Protestant pastors in the U.S. plan to support former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election, although many remain hesitant to share their political views. Lifeway Research conducted the survey between August 8 and September 3, polling 1,003 pastors. According to the findings, 50% of pastors expressed support for Trump, while 24% favored Harris. Meanwhile, a notable portion of pastors, 23%, remain undecided.
The survey also highlighted the growing reluctance among pastors to disclose their voting intentions. Scott McConnell, Executive Director of Lifeway Research, noted that pastors often share their views on cultural issues, but the sensitivity and divisiveness of politics have led to more caution when discussing their voting preferences. The survey revealed that half of the pastors identified as Republicans, while 25% labeled themselves as independents, and 18% as Democrats.
When breaking down support by denomination, Pentecostals showed the highest backing for Trump at 65%, followed by Baptists, non-denominational Christians, and members of the Church of Christ. In contrast, fewer Methodists and Presbyterians expressed support for the former president. The survey also showed a clear divide between Evangelical and mainline Protestant pastors, with 61% of Evangelicals supporting Trump, compared to 30% of mainline Protestants.
The survey further explored which candidate qualities pastors prioritize in making their voting decisions. Key characteristics included a candidate’s ability to maintain national security (85%), protect religious freedom (84%), and improve the economy (83%). Personal character, Supreme Court nominations, and stances on issues like abortion and immigration also ranked highly. However, addressing climate change was less of a priority, with only 38% considering it a crucial factor. Overall, the survey demonstrated that pastors value a wide range of factors when choosing a candidate, rather than focusing on a single issue.