A Kettering Foundation and Gallup survey of more than 23,000 American adults finds that Christian nationalism remains a minority position, with about 14 percent strongly embracing the belief that Christianity should define the nation and its government and just over 16 percent at least sympathetic. Nearly 70 percent of respondents resist or reject the idea. But researcher Andrew Whitehead notes that while fewer Americans hold it strongly, it is far more present in national political discussion than it used to be, and sympathy tracks closely with party, race and gender: 55 percent of Republicans, 31 percent of white Americans, a third of men and 28 percent of women.
The survey also links the identity to how people judge democracy itself. Those who strongly embrace Christian nationalism tend to say democracy is doing great, while those who reject it say it is not doing well. Whitehead says the rejection group is motivated to vote in the 2026 midterms, with a driving concern that Congress check the power of the executive branch. Five Democrats who are clergy or in clergy training are also running for Congress this cycle.
Here on the Suncoast, where faith communities anchor so much of daily life, these findings are likely to prompt lots of conversation in the coming weeks, from church halls to coffee shops. It’s a story about identity, trust, and who shows up at the polls. Where do you land on this? We’d love to hear from you in the comments or on the air.
