Democrats Triple Clergy Presence in Congress
Several religious Democrats who built faith-forward campaigns around Matthew 25 won seats in the 2026 elections.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Religion — General
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Democrats will more than triple the number of clergy members in Congress next year, with at least seven ordained members entering. Candidates including James Talarico, Adam Hamilton and Sarah Trone Garriott incorporated Matthew 25 verses into their campaigns and won.
Why it matters
The shift signals a growing role for faith-based messaging within the Democratic Party's congressional ranks. It also reflects how candidates are using religious language and scripture to connect with voters.
At least seven ordained Democrats, including Frederick Haynes III of Texas and Lindsay James of Iowa, will enter Congress next year. Three other Democrats have attended seminary or divinity school.
The players
Raphael Warnock
Senator from Georgia and pastor who has long described himself as a Matthew 25 Christian.
Abdul El-Sayed
Michigan candidate who ran a faith-forward campaign and will become the first Muslim member of the U.S. Senate.
The details
Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia, a pastor who has called himself a "Matthew 25 Christian" for years, is among the religious Democrats in Congress. Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan ran a faith-forward campaign and will be the first Muslim member of the U.S. Senate.
Timeline
Article on Matthew 25 and religious Democrats published November 8, 2026.
Democrats will triple clergy members in Congress next year.
Faith in Politics
The use of Matthew 25, which centers on feeding the hungry and welcoming the stranger, as a campaign framework extends the long-running pattern of faith-based social justice language in American politics. This year's crop of candidates moves that language from individual rhetoric into a measurable congressional bloc.
The growing presence of clergy in Congress may influence how faith-based issues are debated in federal policy. Voters interested in how religious values shape legislative priorities can track these members' positions as they take office.
The takeaway
The rise of religious lawmakers shows how scriptural language can shape campaign messaging and legislative agendas. Readers can follow how these members vote on faith-linked issues to see the impact firsthand.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in the Religion — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New York Times.
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