Survey: 14% of Americans hold strong Christian nationalist views

A national survey found that 14% of the U.S. population strongly embraces Christian nationalism, a belief that the nation is defined by Christianity and that the government should actively maintain that status. Just over 16% of Americans are at least sympathetic to the ideology, according to data from the Charles F. Kettering Foundation and Gallup.

Andrew Whitehead, a sociology professor at Indiana University Indianapolis, noted that while the number of strong adherents is slightly declining, the concept remains a major factor in politics ahead of the 2026 midterms. The survey, which polled more than 23,000 adults, indicates that religion continues to shape how candidates and voters view the country's democratic system.

Demographic breakdowns reveal distinct patterns in who supports these views. Among white Americans, 31% are at least sympathetic to Christian nationalism. Gender also plays a role, with a third of men expressing sympathy compared to 28% of women. Political affiliation is the strongest predictor, as 55% of Republicans strongly embrace or sympathize with the ideology.

Whitehead explained that Americans who hold these views perceive democracy differently than those who reject it. Respondents who strongly embrace Christian nationalism currently report that democracy is functioning well. In contrast, very few Americans who reject the ideology believe the system is doing well or even okay. Those who reject the views are more likely to cite specific threats to democracy.

The nearly 70% of respondents who resist or reject Christian nationalism are highly motivated for the upcoming elections. Whitehead stated that these voters want Congress to check the power of the executive branch, a dynamic he said has not been present in the first two years of the Trump administration. This group is being driven to the polls by a desire for legislative action.

While Republicans typically combine religion and politics more often than their Democratic counterparts, the current cycle features a notable presence of clergy in Democratic Congressional races. Five Democrats on the ballot in Congressional races are either currently serving as clergy or are in training to become clergy, adding a specific religious dimension to the Democratic field.