Fewer Americans Embrace Christian Nationalism, But It Shapes Midterm Voting

Andrew Whitehead, a sociology professor at Indiana University Indianapolis, reports that the share of Americans strongly identifying with Christian nationalism has dipped. However, he argues that the concept continues to influence the political arena significantly as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Whitehead serves as a research fellow for the Charles F. Kettering Foundation and cites their data alongside Gallup’s annual national survey.

The survey, which polled more than 23,000 adults, found that approximately 14% of the U.S. population strongly embraces Christian nationalism. Just over 16% of respondents described themselves as at least sympathetic to the view. Whitehead defines Christian nationalism as the belief that Christianity defines the nation and that the government should take active steps to maintain that status.

Support for the ideology varies by demographic. Among white Americans, 31% are at least sympathetic to the concept. Men show higher support than women, with a third of men being at least sympathetic compared to 28% of women. Political affiliation is a strong predictor of support, with 55% of Republicans either strongly embracing or sympathizing with Christian nationalism.

Whitehead notes that despite the slight decline in strong support, the rhetoric persists in federal government and media. He observes that fewer Americans embrace the ideology strongly, but it is more integrated into national political discussions than in the past. This presence in the discourse appears to affect how different groups perceive the health of the country's institutions.

The data reveals a sharp divide in how voters view democracy. Whitehead states that Americans who reject Christian nationalism are largely dissatisfied with its current function. In contrast, those who strongly embrace the ideology say democracy is doing great. He adds that supporters of Christian nationalism express more worry about perceived threats to democracy than those who reject the ideology.

Voting motivation for the upcoming midterms is closely linked to these views. Whitehead says that the nearly 70% of respondents who resist or reject Christian nationalism are highly motivated to vote. He explains that these voters want Congress to check the power of the executive branch, a check he says has been absent during the first two years of the Trump administration.

Religion and politics remain intertwined for Republicans, where it is common to combine the two. In this election cycle, five Democrats running for Congress are either clergy or in training to become clergy. This presence on the ballot highlights the continued role of religious identity in congressional races.