The cross in the Republicans' defeat in the midterms: Evangelical turnout plummeted to a century-low, and half of Catholics voted Democratic
Only 17% of the votes came from evangelical or Protestant voters, who continued to support the GOP by a majority, while 50% of Catholics voted for the Democrats.
Trump participates in the March for Life via video conference
Christians, a group that was key to the victory of Donald Trump in 2024, once again played a decisive role in the blue wave in the recent midterms. A mere 17% of the votes cast were for an evangelical, while Catholics, whose turnout was 20%, voted mostly for Democrats.
According to data from the first polls following the midterms, the Christian backlash against Donald Trump's policies was the final nail in the coffin for the GOP in both houses of Congress, with 50% of Catholics voting blue compared to 49% who backed the GOP.
The case of evangelicals represented an even harsher setback for Trump and the Republicans. Among their meager turnout, 82% maintained their confidence in the GOP, so their sharp drop in turnout, the lowest so far this century, dealt a blow to conservative aspirations.
A relationship that deteriorated during the second term
According to the data so far, barely 21 million evangelicals went to the polls, compared to the 35 million who did so two years ago, the same figure as a decade ago. Furthermore, of those 21 million, 17.2% voted Republican, compared to 29.1% in the presidential election.
Trump's relationship with Christians has deteriorated dramatically during this second term. The president's popularity among evangelicals plummeted from 78% after his inauguration to 58% just before the midterms.
Inaction on the abortion pill, ICE raids, clash with Leo XIV
This is due, first and foremost, to the his administration's inaction on abortion, particularly regarding the distribution of the abortion pill. This earned him numerous warnings from pro-life and Christian groups ahead of the midterms, warnings that have now come to pass.
Also, the aggressive ICE campaigns have drawn opposition from Christian groups demanding their cessation or, at the very least, their moderation to defend nations' right to protect their borders.
In this area, Trump has encountered the staunch opposition from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States, in line with the messages of Pope Leo XIV.
It was precisely the head-on clash with the pontiff, along with the president's harsh attacks on Prevost, also made their presence felt at the polls.
Politics
Trump and Catholics: tensions with Leo XIV put a key midterm election vote at risk
Joaquín Núñez
Christians voted overwhelmingly for Trump in the presidential election
First and foremost, turnout is worth noting. Up to 6% more evangelicals exercised their right to vote, reaching 23%.
Furthermore, 82% of followers of this faith voted for Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, 59% of Catholic voters supported Trump two years ago, compared to 39% who cast their ballots for Kamala Harris
🛠 Do you think there is an error in this article?
Recommendations
LATEST
