Robert P. Jones is the President of the Public Religion Research Institute and an expert on religion and politics, while Russell Contreras is an Axios reporter focusing on justice and race, particularly in Latino communities. They discuss the surprising surge of Latino evangelical support for Trump and its implications for future elections. The conversation covers the complex ties between cultural identity and religious beliefs, explores church strategies amid gentrification, and highlights the political divides within Latino faiths, revealing shifting allegiances in the political landscape.
The marked increase in Latino evangelical support for the Republican Party highlights a significant shift in political alignment influenced by cultural and spiritual needs.
The diverse political identities of Latino evangelicals reveal a complex landscape where issues like immigration evoke mixed sentiments, challenging traditional party loyalty.
Deep dives
The Shift of Latino Voters
The rise in Latino support for the Republican Party is a significant trend, highlighted by data showing a marked increase in the percentage of Latino Protestants who identify as Republican, jumping from 17% to 37% between 2013 and 2023. This shift is particularly pronounced among Latino evangelicals, who have historically leaned Democratic but are increasingly drawn to Republican values. Factors influencing this movement include outreach efforts from predominantly white evangelical churches, which are actively seeking to expand their membership base amidst a decline in white evangelical populations. Additionally, this transition reflects broader changes in Latino religious identification, with a decrease in Catholic affiliation, as many Latinos increasingly turn to evangelical denominations that resonate with their cultural and spiritual needs.
Characteristics of Latino Evangelicals
Latino evangelicals are characterized by their diverse and fluid political identities, which contrast sharply with the more rigid partisan alignments seen in other demographic groups, such as white Americans. The emotional and expressive worship style inherent to charismatic churches plays a crucial role in attracting new members, offering a welcoming environment for individuals seeking community support. Many evangelicals provide an alternate path to spiritual connection that bypasses the complexities traditionally associated with Catholic rites, presenting a more straightforward approach to faith. This dynamic environment fosters a sense of belonging for individuals who have faced marginalization, allowing them to openly share their personal struggles and experiences.
Political Implications for the Future
The political landscape for Latino voters appears increasingly competitive as demonstrated by the mixed sentiments among Latino evangelicals regarding issues like immigration and the Trump administration's policies. While Latino Catholics largely oppose measures such as building a wall and support DACA, Latino evangelicals show a divided stance on these issues, suggesting a broader spectrum of political thought within this community. Democrats face challenges in maintaining Latino support, prompting a need for deeper engagement with the evolving priorities and sentiments of Latino voters. This fluidity underscores the potential for significant shifts in voter behavior, indicating that Latino evangelicals may be pivotal in shaping future elections in the United States.
Donald Trump has been re-sworn in as President of the United States. And for this re-ascendency, he owes a thank you to Latino voters, especially Latino evangelicals. They turned out for him in double digits in the last election. So what is it about Latinos, evangelicalism, and Trump's brand of Republicanism that helped tip the White House back in his favor?
President and founder of the Public Religion Research Institute, Robert P. Jones, and Axios Justice and Race reporter Russell Contreras join Brittany to get at the root of this shift and what it means for our political future.
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