Like other Americans, pastors are deciding who they’ll vote for in the November election. Compared to previous elections, however, they’re much more hesitant to share their preference.
Almost all U.S. Protestant pastors (97%) plan to vote in the 2024 presidential election, according to a Lifeway Research study conducted Aug. 8-Sept. 3, 2024. But almost a quarter (23%) refused to answer the question of whom they’ll cast their ballot for. Few felt the same hesitancy in 2020 (4%) or 2016 (3%).
Still, among those who plan to vote and shared their preference, 50% say former President Donald Trump is their choice, while a quarter (24%) back Vice President Kamala Harris and 23% are undecided. No third-party candidate garnered more than 1% support.
“We ask pastors about many things going on in the culture today and they are willing to provide their opinion. However, the growing number of pastors unwilling to respond with their voting intentions shows how sensitive or divisive politics has become in some churches,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research.
Commander-in-chief choices
The 2024 voting preferences are similar to those during the leadup to the 2020 election, when 53% of U.S. Protestant pastors said they planned to vote for Trump, 21% for Joe Biden and 22% were undecided. In 2016, 40% of pastors were still undecided in September, while 32% supported Trump and 19% planned to vote for Hillary Clinton.
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Currently, pastors are less likely to be solidly supportive of either major party candidate than their congregants, according to a Pew Research study. Around 3 in 5 U.S. Protestants (61%) say they would vote for or lean toward voting for Trump if the election were held today, while 37% would choose Harris.
Self-identified evangelical pastors are more likely to vote for Trump (61%), while half of mainline Protestant pastors (50%) say they support Harris. African American pastors are among the most likely to say they plan to vote for Harris (71%) and among the least likely to back Trump (5%). Pastors under 45 are among the least likely to support Trump (41%).
Denominationally, Pentecostal (65%), Baptist (64%), non-denominational (64%), Restorationist movement (55%) and Lutheran pastors (48%) are among the most likely to plan to cast their ballot for Trump, while Methodist (52%) and Presbyterian/Reformed pastors (44%) are among the most likely to choose Harris. (Restorationism, which refers to those who believe the early practices of Jesus followers must be “restored,” is affiliated with Churches of Christ.)
Half of U.S. Protestant pastors (50%) say they are either a registered member or consider themselves to be a part of the Republican party. One in 5 (18%) are Democrats, and 25% say they’re independent.
Evangelical pastors are more likely than mainline pastors to be Republicans (64% v. 30%), while mainline are more likely to be Democrats (35% v. 8%). Specifically, Baptist (67%), Pentecostal (67%), non-denominational (67%) and Restorationist movement pastors (57%) are among the most likely to identify as Republican. Methodist (36%), Presbyterian/Reformed (36%) and Lutheran pastors (25%) are among the most likely to say they’re Democrats.
Among Republican pastors, 78% support Trump. Among Democratic pastors, 85% back Harris.
“Out of all the descriptors of pastors, their own political party preference is the best predictor of how they will vote,” said McConnell. “Denominational groups often lean one way politically, but pastors must minister alongside many clergy who don’t share their political views. The same is true within their own congregations. In a culture that increasingly doesn’t want to tolerate people with different political views, pastors lead churches that strive for unity centered on their faith.”
Important issues
From a list of 11 characteristics, a majority of pastors say 10 are important in deciding how to cast their vote. Around 4 in 5 say they are looking for a candidate with the ability to maintain national security (85%), the ability to protect religious freedom (84%), the position on foreign policy (83%), the ability to improve the economy (83%), the position on immigration (81%), the position on abortion (80%) and personal character (79%). Three in 4 (75%) say likely Supreme Court nominees are important. Around 7 in 10 are looking for the ability to address racial injustice (71%) and the position on the size and role of government (70%). Fewer (38%) say the ability to address climate change is an important factor in how they vote.
When forced to choose the most important factor, 24% say personal character, 18% say the candidate’s position on abortion, 16% say the ability to protect religious freedom and 12% say the ability to improve the economy. Every other issue is the top priority of 4% or fewer pastors.
“Pastors are not single-issue voters. They care deeply about where presidential candidates stand on many issues,” said McConnell. “There are moral dimensions to all of the characteristics that could be selected, and pastors did not all pick the same characteristic as most important.”
Pastors voting for Trump are among the most likely to say an important issue in their voting decision is the ability to protect religious freedom (96%), the ability to maintain national security (95%), the ability to improve the economy (94%), the position on abortion (93%), the position on immigration (92%) and the size and role of government (89%).
Those voting for Harris are among the most likely to say they’re looking for a candidate with personal character (96%), the ability to address racial injustice (92%) and the ability to address climate change (91%).
Evangelical pastors are more likely than their mainline counterparts to say their primary vote-determining issue is the candidate’s position on abortion (22% v. 12%). Mainline pastors are more likely than evangelical ones to say their top issue is the personal character of the candidate (35% v. 17%).
Pastors planning on voting for Trump are the most likely to place as their top priority the candidate’s position on abortion (29%) and ability to protect religious freedom (25%). Those supporting Harris say their most important issue is personal character (58%).
This article originally appeared at Lifeway Research.
Aaron Earls is the senior writer at Lifeway Research.
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30 Responses
I haven’t heard a single word or policy statement from Harris that would cause me to even consider voting for her.
Gene,
How true. Nevertheless, you can judge Komrade Kamala on her record during her vice-presidency:
* Crime has increased 40%, according to the latest data released by the DOJ.
* 20 million illegal aliens in the US under Biden/Harris
* 325,000 illegal alien children lost. Sex-trafficking, slave labor, dead.
* Inflation on food is up by 30% on some products to more than 60% on others
* Gas is up 50% under the horrific, disastrous reign of Biden/Harris
* Mortgage rates have doubled for new mortgages and ARMs
Harris is a failure on the economy, inflation, and the border. She’s incompetent, ignorant about economics, and maybe just plain stupid. How will her presidency be any better than what she has done as VP?
Drop the “Komrade” and you’re response will be more biblical; i.e., acting as a “fruit inspector” rather than a “judge” of that which produces the “fruit”.
I have a simple response: I never vote for convicted felons and sexual abusers. Harris 2024.
Robert J. Mayer,
You should not vote if you base your vote on character. Harris slept with her boss and supports the mutilation of children.
You had better concentrate on actual accomplishments instead.
“Harris slept with her boss and supports the mutilation of children”
This is both hypocrisy (remember when Trump’s wife and mistress got into a fight in Aspen? Convenient if you don’t; it was quite public) and a straw man argument of exaggeration. Literally NO ONE supports the mutilation of a child.
Marin:
When you openly support transgender surgeries, you most definitely support the mutilation of children. And Harris has stated quite openly that she approves “transgender healthcare.”
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/thousands-of-minors-have-received-gender-affirming-surgeries/
And my point about sleeping with her boss? It is a fact that many fail to acknowledge. Why? It puts her in the same category as other adulterers. It levels the moral playing field. When you try to paint the Trumps as immoral, you best paint ALL as immoral. God does not compare us based on how bad our sins are- he compares us based on sin itself. That means we all fail. That is why we need a savior.
So stop trying to make Harris into a saint: She fails big-time.
Never tried to make Harris a saint. I don’t even agree with her personally or politically on all things. Yet I do know that “she slept with her boss” and similar language is a HUGE oversimplification and sexist take of her relationships by people who support a candidate who is a thrice-married serial adulterer. But I guess it’s all Bible verses and grace because he’s a man? Or a Republican? Suddenly it’s “we all need a savior” when it’s about Trump, but you sure don’t lead with that grace when taking about Harris.
Glass houses and Christianese.
And while I don’t support transgender care for children (I’m still learning a lot about transgenderism so apologies in advance for any errors in what I say; please know it comes from a heart of concern, curiosity and care for all humans), I do know “mutilation” is inflammatory language – especially given there is REAL mutiliation happening, especially to women and young girls.
I go back to my first post on this thread, as a lot of your posts prove my point. We need guidance from pastors on how to engage with those who vote differently. Because this “selective grace” does not strengthen our witness AT ALL.
Top 3 issues
TRUMP voters:
Religious freedom (96%)
—“comfortable faith”
Maintain national security (95%)
— “safety”
Improve the economy (94%)
— “security”
HARRIS voters
personal character (96%)
—integrity, accountability of leaders
Racial injustice (92%)
—safety and security for those other than myself.
Climate change (91%)
—Forward thinking, impact on the poor of the world
Tricia:
It is quite a tragedy when people feel the need to vote for a candidate because that candidate has such a marvelous grasp of the obvious. Personal character, racial injustice and “climate change” are poor substitutes for substantive issues that will affect our children and their children for generations to come.
Personal character? Not one candidate has a personal character I would vote for. Racial injustice? Only one candidate actually succeeded in lifting up the salaries and lives of Black Americans, and it wasn’t Harris. Climate change? It has been occurring since God created the world and absolutely nothing human beings do will ever change that. All “solutions” have led to more problems, as in dead birds, sound pollution, falling wind turbine blades, pollution on beaches from said falling blades, etc.
We need to concentrate on actual deeds, not words.
Cynthia –
If you don’t think personal character, racial injustice or climate change impacts the next generation, I encourage you to go back to scripture AND a history book.
Scripture not only calls on parents and elders to teach, guide and set an example for younger people to follow, but warns of the dangers of bad character and its impact. (See Proverbs)
We see examples of racism in scripture (hatred between Samaritans and Jews, Miriam’s dislike of Moses’s wife, etc), and live in a world that has been impacted by generations of racial injustice.
We are also called to be good stewards of all the Lord gives us (be that a lot or a little); and that includes this planet and its ecosystems – all beautifully and perfectly designed by Him.
Scripture warns of how the impact of our sins can affect “our children’s children”; likewise our obedience can lead to blessings upon blessings for us and our offspring. And if we raise up children in the way they should go, when they grow old they will not depart from it.
This ALL puts character front and center. It is outright unbiblical to downplay the importance of character (or words, as you also tend to do), not to mention a display of ignorance of the multitude of verses and examples that point to the importance of one’s character – integrity, honesty, etc.
You keep going on and on about paying attention to outcome while overlooking the most important one: the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, self-control, etc), which are manifested in ONE’S CHARACTER.
Marin:
The future will be determined by God himself, not us. I trust in His judgment to work out all things for the good of those who are called by His name.
And, please, character has never been the most important factor when it comes to running a country well. The very best leaders of Israel were the ones you would likely condemn for their “character.”
God can use and change and tweak ANY character out there. He does it every day. As human beings, we are poor judges of character most of the time. It is why people get drawn in by words and appearances rather than actions. It is why women (with apologies) don’t always make the best leaders because, quite often, they are confused by empty words that mean nothing. They also seem to gravitate toward emotional responses rather than thinking ones.
It is too often the case that women get taken in by men who sound earnest and loving, etc., but end up being abusers.
THINK. Who helped Black Americans the most? President Trump did. He didn’t talk about it, or justice, or racial inequality, he actually DID something about it. See the difference?
And, regarding the earth, I would argue that putting up wind turbines and covering green fields with solar panels is an abomination against God’s creation. Anything that results in harm to birds and whales is an atrocity, in my opinion.
You want to talk about actions? Trump’s record for refusing housing to Black tenants (the findings, rulings and subsequent fines he paid are PUBLIC RECORD) and treatment of the Central Park 5 (who have since been exonerated by DNA evidence, yet Trump refuses to acknowledge their innocence….and LIED in the debate by saying the victim was killed, when she is STILL ALIVE) have been VERY harmful and flat out racist.
Has Trump acknowledged wrongdoing, apologized or tried to make things right? Nope! This is a huge reason I don’t trust him. Yes, we are all human, but when one doesn’t even acknowledge one’s own sins….much less apologize or recognize a need for forgiveness…even scripture states that is problematic.
Why is this track record ok? (I expect you to ignore because it doesn’t support your “Trump is great for Black people” narrative, but I’d love for ANY one to explain why this goes without acknowledgement?)
What might be credible would be 100% of pastors agreeing not to align with any candidate, and by doing so refusing to mix politics and church.
While I understand doing this sort of research in an election year, I believe it would be helpful to hear more pastors talk about Biblical principles to apply when voting rather than telling us who they are voting for, or who they believe WE are to vote for.
I also believe it would be very beneficial to the body of Christ to hear more from pastors on how to engage with those who vote differently, including how to move forward as citizens of the kingdom (most important) AND the US after the election, WHOEVER wins.
I hate to admit it, but the church is looking and behaving just like the world with how we attack, belittle, and are downright unloving towards those on the other side of the political aisle. We are to be in the world, but not of it, and we are failing. Our pastors need to shepherd us through.
Marin, your comment is spot on, as usual!
Wise words, Marin… as usual :)
You said: “I believe it would be helpful to hear more pastors talk about Biblical principles to apply when voting rather than telling us who they are voting for, or who they believe WE are to vote for.”
Let me take this one step further and say: if pastors are teaching and preaching the fundamentals of the Word of God week to week, then congregants will already have a sound theological framework from which to make righteous decisions at the polls.
So overall, Personal Character as the most important attribute is 24%.
However, those pastors voting for Harris that think Personal Character is most important is 58%.
So what percentage of White Evangelical pastors think that Personal Character is most important … 2 or 3%… maybe? The Evangelical Industrial Complex is a joke… go ahead and vote for that thug Trump ….
Sadly, these “political” issues aren’t exactly all peripheral…too many are an immediate matter of life and death.
Christians often push the idea that we aren’t to be involved in politics, but the reality is politics will find each of us, and those we love, whether we like it or not.
Personally, I think politics is the cause, not the answer or solution, of the eminent evil we are surrounded with.
https://x.com/catsscareme2021/status/1834549824340799651?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&mx=2
https://www.brighteon.com/f35df9ad-b351-475a-bbe1-622d39dd5ebf
Funny how so many pastors don’t really have a problem with bragging about sexual assault, cheating on wives, hanging out with pedophiles, lying, and stealing. That tracks with how many are themselves sexual predators. It has become so clear that evangelicalism is just a front for racism and hate. The hypocrisy shows how empty is devoid of truth it is.
This can be much easier for pastors if they will take the time to read for themselves; this year’s complete 90 page Democrat Platform and the whole 15 page Republican Platform. I do this every general election and then report my findings to whoever I can influence; with the question, “Which group is best to vote for?”
What strikes me as strange is that since the Presidential race has been reduced to just two major candidates, pastors on both sides will claim they prayed for God’s guidance and voted accordingly. Each side will claim they voted for the Party (and candidate) that best represents God’s values and that the other side is wrong, sadly mistaken, or worse. Both can’t be right. But both could be wrong. This is the confused mess of Churches that seek political solutions to legislate and litigate their conflicting visions for the country.
Good point. This isn’t much different than players and coaches of each opposing team petition God for victory on the field. Then the winner gives God the glory for the victory. I have no problem with people asking God for guidance before voting. But I find the claim that someone heard from God and voted accordingly, begging the question: “on what basis can you categorically (without doubt) claim that you heard from the Lord?” How about we say, “I sought God on how to vote, and voted the best way I understand God’s heart”. Leave the door open for the possibility that I may have understood wrong. And, an honest conversation about my choices without blaming it on God, or using God’s name to silence dissent. After all, who can argue against “The Lord showed/told me…”
Matthew 7:16-20
“You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”
Perhaps this is how we should look at our Presidential candidates. What kind of fruit have they produced?
And let’s start with the fruit of the Spirit.
Marin Heiskell:
All of your questions are valid ones and I support your right to express your views whether they differ with my own or not. Perhaps we view grace differently: All people are extended grace by God. ALL. Even democrats with whom I vehemently disagree. This grace is free and it covers sins of the past, sins of the present, and sins of the future. It is free for the asking.
President Trump is a sinner. Kamala Harris is a sinner. Both need salvation and both need God’s love in their lives. I view them as sinners, on an equal moral footing with God. One is not more “moral” than the other. Both are equally corrupt, equally sinful, equally lost.
Where I see the difference is in the fruit they produce. One has done great things for Americans, the other has done nothing but talk. President Trump has made mistakes, but he has also corrected his mistakes, particularly when it comes to Black people. Harris has made mistakes and has done nothing to rectify any of them. That is the difference I see.
Regarding the Central Park 5: Are you aware that, initially, all five young men pleaded guilty and that one was charged with separate crimes? Are you aware that the victim’s life will never be the same? I absolutely agree that the young men were coerced into admitting doing something they didn’t actually do, but people at the time were incredibly angry and needed a scapegoat to blame for the tragedy that occurred. The young men became a very convenient scapegoat because they were involved in other destructive behaviors that evening. Wrong place, wrong time, wrong behavior.
Yes, Cynthia, all people are extended grace freely by God; yet I was talking about who YOU extend grace to as a disciple of His Son – selectively.
By the way, how does one correct mistakes one does not admit? How has Trump corrected mistakes when he refuses to admit them – and actually doubles down on them?
Regarding the Central Park 5 – Cynthia, did you know they were MINORS who were illegally denied access to their parents and bullied by cops into confessions?
Yes, I’m aware the victim’s life will never be the same. (Although she was NOT murdered, as Trump LIED about during the debate). But NEITHER will the lives of these men, who went to ADULT prisons as teen boys (under the urging of Trump, who was using his influence to push for the DEATH penalty).
You mentioned dangers of emoting before; people were emoting (and the media, with Trump, was riling up emotions) to the point that NO ONE FOLLOWED THE EVIDENCE (which led to a serial rapist). And in the face of that evidence, Trump STILL won’t tell the truth.
Being reckless in the park on a school night does NOT warrant what those boys (now men) went through. PLEASE stop making excuses or flippant “well they were in the wrong place at the wrong time” statements that downplay this TRAGEDY. These men were not mistaken for taking a lollipop from a store, but a horrific rape and beating. They wrongfully lost DECADES of their lives and have asked for an apology they DESERVE. Trump (among others) completely wronged them. All others apologized – even the victim. Many heads have (rightfully) rolled over this – except Trump’s.
Marin:
“Being reckless in the park on a school night does NOT warrant what those boys (now men) went through.”
Um…they weren’t being reckless. They were attacking people, beating them up, and causing mayhem.
Stop being flippant about their behavior.
Cynthia –
Even what they were doing in the park has been revised and revisited, with lots of questions on what’s true. (Have you read the public reports and documents on this?) That is why I’m careful about my language. These men have been falsely accused enough; I may be just one person, but I recognize this is a public platform and they’ve been falsely accused enough in public.
And NOTHING you say will warrant what those boys (now men) went through. I get you’d love for it to be “understandable” that young boys were sent to an adult prison for a crime they didn’t commit. That’s why you skipped the rest of what I said. But we will STRONGLY disagree. Those boys deserved for the FACTS to be followed, not feelings – no matter how “understandable” those feelings were.
Lance Wallnau was mistaken: Donald Trump is not like Cyrus but rather like King Saul. At their insistence, God gave the Israelites Saul as their first king, a self-absorbed failure who did things to satisfy his own desires. We are being forced, if we vote, to choose (as always) between the lesser of 2 evils. Let’s neither deify nor demonize either choice. Both have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Christ has not given any of us the authority to judge the source of the “fruit”; we are, however, called to be “fruit inspectors”.