55% of Republicans Embrace Christian Nationalism, Data Shows

55 percent of Republicans strongly embrace or sympathize with Christian nationalism, according to data released by the Charles F. Kettering Foundation and Gallup. The figure marks the highest level of alignment between the ideology and the party. The belief system asserts that Christianity defines the nation and that the government must take active steps to preserve that status.

The survey drew on responses from more than 23,000 adults in a national poll. While the percentage of the total U.S. population that strongly embraces Christian nationalism has dipped slightly to around 14 percent, just over 16 percent remain at least sympathetic to the concept. Among white Americans, 31 percent expressed sympathy for the ideology. A third of men and 28 percent of women also fell into that category.

Andrew Whitehead, a sociology professor at Indiana University Indianapolis and a research fellow at the Kettering Foundation, analyzed the findings. He noted that although fewer Americans strongly embrace the ideology, political figures and media personalities frequently use its rhetoric. This trend has embedded the concept into the national discourse more deeply than in previous years.

The data highlights a stark difference in how supporters and critics of Christian nationalism view the functioning of the U.S. government. Whitehead explained that those who reject the ideology report that democracy is functioning poorly. In contrast, Americans who strongly embrace Christian nationalism currently say democracy is doing great. The divide extends to perceived threats, with believers citing more concerns about dangers to the democratic system.

Whitehead pointed out that the nearly 70 percent of respondents who resist or reject Christian nationalism are highly motivated for the 2026 midterm elections. He stated that this group is driving to the polls with a specific goal: forcing Congress to check the power of the executive branch. He noted that such checks have not occurred during the first two years of the current Trump administration.

The election cycle also features a shift in the religious backgrounds of candidates. While it is common for Republicans to combine religion and politics, five Democrats are on congressional ballots in this cycle. These candidates are either clergy or currently in training to become clergy.

Whitehead emphasized that the survey results provide a clear metric for understanding American political values. The data shows that views on democracy are closely tied to religious identity. As the midterm elections approach, the gap between the 55 percent of Republicans and the smaller share of Democrats who align with Christian nationalism will likely shape campaign messaging and voter turnout.