Democrats are making a concerted effort to win back religious voters, a group that has increasingly gravitated towards the Republican Party over recent decades. This push comes despite the Democratic base becoming more secular, with 40% identifying as religiously unaffiliated in 2023-24, more than double the share from 2007. Strategists recognize a "God gap" within the Democratic party itself, necessitating a delicate balance between appealing to their secular base and engaging moderate, religious voters who are open to faith-based language.
The strategy involves highlighting the progressive aspects of religious teachings, with some Democrats, like Representative Greg Casar, arguing that figures like Jesus were "socialists." Others are framing their policy stances, such as being pro-choice, as consistent with their Christian faith. This approach aims to counter the narrative that Republicans are the sole custodians of religious values and to demonstrate that the Democratic Party can be a safe and open space for people of faith.
The challenge for Democrats is significant. While Black Christians overwhelmingly support the party (83% voted for Kamala Harris), white evangelical voters have increasingly favored Republicans, with Donald Trump winning 83% in 2024. Mainline Protestants and Catholics also show majority support for Republicans. Democrats are hoping to find cracks in this support, particularly among mainline Christians, by emphasizing shared moral principles and addressing the perception that the party is hostile to voters with traditional views on issues like abortion, gay marriage, and transgender rights.
Historically, Democrats have seen a decline in Christian voters, with the percentage of Christians in their coalition dropping by 20 points since 2008, compared to a 5-point slip for Republicans. However, some believe that ceding the religious ground to Republicans was a mistake. Prominent figures like Senator Raphael Warnock, a pastor, represent the potential for Democrats to rebuild credibility among religious communities, particularly beyond the Black church, and to show how their faith informs their political thinking.
