Trump Crushes Harris Among Religious Voters
A recent poll from Lifeway Research indicates a significant preference among Evangelical Christian voters for Republican candidate Donald Trump over Democrat Kamala Harris. The survey reveals that 61% of likely Evangelical voters intend to support Trump, while only 31% plan to back Harris. The remaining 8% are either undecided or leaning toward third-party candidates. This trend reflects a consistent pattern seen in previous elections, specifically in 2020, when a similar percentage of Evangelicals backed Trump.
In contrast, the poll shows that among non-Evangelical respondents, support for Harris is considerably higher, with 47% favoring her compared to 38% for Trump. The study also highlights that Christian voters who regularly attend church services are more likely to support Trump. Among this group, 49% plan to vote for him, while 41% lean towards Harris.
The research was conducted through an online survey of 1,200 Americans between August 14 and August 30, with a margin of error of ±3.3%. The study defines Evangelicals based on agreement with specific theological statements regarding the Bible, evangelism, and salvation through Christ. This classification helps to clarify the demographics represented in the survey.
Scott McConnell, the Executive Director of Lifeway Research, noted the theological foundation of Evangelical beliefs and how they can influence political preferences. While these beliefs can shape what individuals desire for society, he emphasized that there is not a unanimous agreement among Evangelicals regarding presidential candidates. This suggests a complexity in voter preferences that transcends theological alignment.
Additionally, a separate Lifeway poll earlier this month revealed that Protestant pastors also exhibit a strong preference for Trump, with 50% supporting him compared to 24% for Harris, while 23% remained undecided. This further emphasizes the influence of Evangelical beliefs within the broader context of political support in the upcoming election.