Can clergy candidates help Democrats win in red states?
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How could clergy candidates help Democrats win in red‑state congressional races?
I'm Ayesha Roscoe, and this is The Sunday Story. Election day is just weeks away, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Democrats need to pick up four seats in the House and four in the Senate to take control of Congress. Something that might help them do it? A different kind of Democratic candidate, one who talks about faith. Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. Like Sarah Trone Garriott. Everyone is your neighbor.
I'm a Luke 4 Christian.
Frederick Haynes.
Because Jesus says, the spirit of the Lord of God is upon me because he's anointed me to preach good news to the poor. And Lindsay James. It's about showing up for people. It's about listening without judgment. It's about offering hope. And it's about telling the
truth. Why are these Democratic candidates so good at talking about religion? Well, they're clergy. Unlike Republicans, who aren't shy talking about religion on the campaign trail, these Democratic clergy have to thread a very fine needle, appeal to people of faith, but do so in a way that doesn't turn off the base. Meanwhile, Republicans are on their own mission to discredit these candidates. Here's Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
I've never seen so much blasphemy
from anyone running for office. And Republican businessman Joe Mitchell.
I call them pinos. Pastors are name only because they're not real pastors. They don't profess the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
Today on The Sunday Story, we'll take a closer look at some of these Democratic clergy candidates, ask why they're running, and whether their messages are resonating with voters. Stay with us.
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Welcome back to The Sunday Story. I'm here with NPR religion correspondent Jason DeRose, who's been following four Democratic clergy candidates in competitive races. Welcome to the podcast.
Hello, it's good to be here.
So, Jason, at Week in Edition, you know, my other job, we've done like a number of interviews about how religion is playing a role in politics right now. You've been covering religion for years.
Why are Democratic clergy deciding to run for office in Texas and Iowa?
Did you ever think you'd see a critical mass of clergy running as Democrats? I think it's about like six or seven, depending on who you count.
Well, Aisha, it's certainly remarkable. After the election in 2000, I remember reporting on progressive people of faith trying to counter the George W. Bush administration, specifically his compassionate conservatism. But a lot of those efforts never got off the ground or just really failed. fizzled. What's different this time around is not just talk about progressive values. This time around, it's clergy who are the candidates, people trained to speak about Scripture and faith and inspire people to live out that faith in public life. As many pastors will tell you, a big part of the job is rallying people around their beliefs to make a difference in political life, whether that's about health care or abortion.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
How could clergy candidates help Democrats win in red‑state congressional races?
0:00–3:28
2
Why are Democratic clergy deciding to run for office in Texas and Iowa?
3:28–8:11
3
What messages is Senate candidate James Tallarico using to connect with voters?
8:11–12:38
4
How are Republican opponents challenging the faith of Democratic clergy candidates?
12:38–17:27
5
How are faith‑based voters responding to clergy candidates in Texas and Iowa?
17:27–21:53
6
How do non‑religious Democrats view clergy candidates on the ballot?
21:53–26:35
7
What local issues are clergy candidates emphasizing to win votes?
26:35–30:37
8
Is there evidence that clergy candidates are shifting the polls in key races?
30:37–35:36
Speakers
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