From Texas and Iowa to Arkansas, a growing number of white Christian clergy are running for office as Democrats, aiming to counter the influence of Christian nationalism and reshape the party's image among religious voters. Among them is Justin Douglas, a pastor from Pennsylvania who is seeking a seat in the US Congress. He is one of about 30 white faith leaders identified as potential Democratic candidates in next year's midterm elections.
Douglas, who grew up on a farm in Indiana and studied at Liberty University, says his faith calls him into politics. He criticises both parties for failing working-class churchgoers. 'We’ve seen Democrats time and time again sell out working-class people and look like liberal elitists,' he said. He also condemns the Trump administration for 'bastardising faith' by using the Lord's Prayer in a propaganda video.
The trend marks a shift from the traditional racial divide, where white clergy typically align with Republicans. Historically, many white Christians voted Democratic, but the party's move toward civil rights and secular liberalism in the 1970s alienated conservative believers. The rise of the Moral Majority under Jerry Falwell cemented white evangelical support for Republicans.
Doug Pagitt, executive director of Vote Common Good, notes that the realignment is 'not natural' and stems from Republicans focusing on religious identity while Democrats sidelined it. He points to the removal of religious identity from voter files in 1992 as a key factor.
Despite the challenges, Douglas believes Democrats can reconnect with white working-class Christians. 'The stereotypes of Republicans being pro-faith are bullshit,' he said, urging voters to see beyond manipulation.
