Polls show Christian nationalism holding steady in political influence

Religion remains a central factor in the 2026 midterm elections, even as the share of Americans who strongly identify with Christian nationalism shows a slight decline. New survey data suggests the ideology still heavily influences how voters view the functioning of democracy.

Andrew Whitehead, a sociology professor at Indiana University Indianapolis, cited data from the Charles F. Kettering Foundation and Gallup. The Gallup survey polled more than 23,000 adults nationally. According to Whitehead, approximately 14 percent of the U.S. population strongly embraces Christian nationalism. Just over 16 percent of adults expressed at least some sympathy for the belief system.

Christian nationalism is defined as the view that Christianity defines the nation and that the government should actively preserve that status. Whitehead noted that the ideology is more prevalent among white Americans, with 31 percent showing at least some sympathy. Men are slightly more likely to sympathize with the view than women, with rates of one-third and 28 percent respectively.

Political party affiliation correlates strongly with these views. More than half of Republicans, specifically 55 percent, strongly embrace or sympathize with Christian nationalism. Whitehead said this group views democracy differently than those who reject the ideology. He stated that supporters of Christian nationalism often say democracy is doing great, while very few opponents believe it is functioning well.

Whitehead pointed out that the nearly 70 percent of respondents who resist or reject Christian nationalism are highly motivated to vote in this cycle. He said these voters want Congress to check the power of the executive branch. He described this as a check that has not occurred during the first two years of the Trump administration.

While Republicans frequently combine religion and politics, this election cycle includes five Democrats running for Congress who are clergy or in training to become clergy. Whitehead said the presence of Christian nationalism in the national discourse has increased, even as the number of Americans who strongly embrace it has decreased.

The next step for these voters is casting ballots in the upcoming midterms. The data indicates that religious identity continues to serve as a key predictor of how Americans evaluate the current state of American democracy.