As Democrats work to compete in Republican strongholds ahead of midterm elections on Tuesday, religious figures including Presbyterian pastor James Talarico are leading Democratic Senate campaigns in states like Texas and Kansas. A history professor predicted Democrats will win majorities in the House and Senate.
Where
Statewide
When
Late October 2026, ahead of November 3 midterm elections
Sources
Reported by 4 outlets
Taxes and money
None stated in sources.
Coming up
Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Midterm elections for U.S. House and Senate2
Who's involved
James TalaricoDemocratic Senate candidate in Texas, Presbyterian pastor
Adam HamiltonDemocratic Senate candidate in Kansas, Methodist megachurch chaplain
Allan LichtmanAmerican University history professor making election prediction
Melissa DeckmanDirector of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI)
Donald TrumpPresident, Republican
The facts
James Talarico is a 37-year-old Presbyterian pastor running as a Democratic Senate candidate in Texas.1
Talarico appeared on Jimmy Kimmel in September; the White House pressed against airing it but the video was published on YouTube.1
Talarico uses biblical scriptures and the Sermon on the Mount in his campaign speech.1
At least four candidates competing for Congress seats are pastors or seminarians.1
Midterm elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.2
Allan Lichtman predicted in 2024 that Kamala Harris would defeat Donald Trump.2
Who said what
These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.
James Talarico Uses biblical teaching on healthcare access, mass deportations, and abortion rights.1
Melissa Deckman Religious figures are demonstrating Christian values can support humane policies like healthcare access and respect for LGBTQ people.1
Allan Lichtman Democrats will sweep the House and Senate in midterm elections.2
Allan Lichtman Democrats are leading Republicans by seven to 11 points on generic congressional ballot.2
Allan Lichtman It is 90 percent plus certain Democrats will take over the House.2
Allan Lichtman Democratic enthusiasm is higher than usual Republican turnout this election.2
How they headlined it
The same event, as each outlet put it. Marked words appear in only one outlet's headline.
Why is religion the ace up the sleeve of the Democrats to defeat Trump in the 'midterms'?
These outlets were found through Google News headlines. Google decides which outlets appear there, and they lean mostly one way, so this sheet can only be as balanced as the reporting it was built from. Leanings are AllSides Media Bias Ratings.
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Donald Trump, President conducting October campaign tour; Ken Paxton, Republican U.S. Senate candidate in Texas; James Talarico, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate in Texas and 2 more
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$$64,000 for spending on latest mailers
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Gina Hinojosa, Democratic candidate for Governor; Greg Abbott, Incumbent Governor; Travis Trawick, Founder and CEO of FullPAC
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