Democrats Favored in Religion-Linked Midterm Races
Polls analyzed by Religion News Service show Democrats leading in several US House and Senate contests where a faith leader is on the ballot.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Religion — General
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Religion News Service analyzed recent polls for at least 12 House and Senate races featuring a faith leader on the ballot, finding Democrats favored in several of them. Many mainline Protestant clergy and seminarians are running as Democrats in the midterms.
Why it matters
The analysis suggests faith-based candidacies are a notable feature of the 2026 midterms, with potential implications for representation of religious backgrounds in Congress and state offices. Results will show whether these candidates' leads hold as votes are counted.
Polls show leads of 3 to 11 points in several races, including Michigan (El-Sayed over Rogers, 11 points) and Texas (Talarico over Paxton, 6 points). Pollsters reported difficulty getting Republicans to respond to surveys in Kansas, leaving those margins uncertain.
The players
Religion News Service
A religion-focused news outlet that conducted the analysis of polls for faith-linked midterm races.
Abdul El-Sayed
A Democratic candidate for US Senate in Michigan who would become the first Muslim US Senator if elected.
The details
Religion News Service tracked at least 12 House and Senate races with a faith leader on the ballot. Abdul El-Sayed, a Democrat running for US Senate in Michigan, would be the first Muslim US Senator, while Ohio's next governor will be either the state's first Jewish or first Hindu governor.
Timeline
Election Day is November 3, 2026, when the midterm races are decided.
Results are expected Tuesday night as votes are counted.
Season Trajectory
The analysis reflects Religion News Service's ongoing tracking of faith leaders on the 2026 midterm ballot, extending that coverage to the latest polling for specific contests. The Democratic leads reported in several races could shape how religion-linked candidacies are seen going into the final stretch of the campaign.
Voters in Michigan, Texas, Kansas, Iowa, Ohio, and Arkansas will decide these contests on November 3, 2026. Polling leads in these races can change before Election Day, so checking your state's official voter information is advised.
The takeaway
Faith background is becoming a visible factor in the midterm contests, so readers may find it useful to compare candidates' platforms directly rather than relying on religious identity alone. Checking polls alongside Election Day results gives a fuller picture of where races stand.
What happens next
Election Day on November 3, 2026, will determine the outcomes of these religion-linked races, with results expected Tuesday night.
Further reading
Explore more on Religion — General for broader context on faith and public life.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Skeptic Society Magazine.
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