If you look at the headlines, you'd think the Democratic Party was basically a secular book club. But that’s not really the whole story. Honestly, the question of what percentage of Democrats are Christian is one of those things that keeps political scientists up at night because the answer keeps moving.
It's complicated.
According to the most recent data from the 2023-24 Pew Religious Landscape Study and updated PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute) census data heading into 2026, roughly 50% to 58% of Democrats identify as Christian.
That’s a big drop from twenty years ago. Back in 2006, that number was closer to 85%. That is a massive shift in just two decades. You’ve probably noticed the "God Gap" everyone talks about on the news, but the Democratic side of that gap isn't just "atheist." It’s actually a mix of deeply devout people and folks who just aren't into organized religion anymore.
Breaking Down the Numbers: What Percentage of Democrats are Christian Today?
When you dig into the specifics, the 50% marker is a sort of average. Pew Research Center's latest deep dive puts the number of Christians in the Democratic "big tent" at exactly 50% for those who lean Democratic, while PRRI's 2024 census has it slightly higher at 58%.
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Why the difference?
It usually comes down to how researchers ask the question. Some people say they are "culturally" Christian but don't go to church. Others might pray every single day but refuse to put a label on it.
The Christian Sub-Groups
The Democratic Party isn't a monolith. It’s more like a patchwork quilt. Here is how that Christian percentage actually splits up:
- Black Protestants: These are the bedrock. About 15% to 16% of the entire party. They are some of the most consistently religious people in the country.
- Catholics: Roughly 18% of Democrats. This group is fascinating because it’s split between Hispanic Catholics (who lean more Democratic) and White Catholics (who are increasingly moving toward the GOP).
- Mainline Protestants: Think Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and Methodists. They make up about 10% of the party.
- Evangelical Protestants: Only about 12% of Democrats identify as Evangelical. This is the biggest difference between the two parties, as Evangelicals make up the vast majority of the Republican base.
It’s also worth noting that in the 119th Congress (2025-2027), the numbers look way different than the general public. About 75% of Democrats in Congress identify as Christian. That is much higher than the 50% of Democratic voters. Basically, we still tend to elect religious leaders even if the voters themselves are becoming more secular.
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The Rise of the "Nones"
You can’t talk about the Christian percentage without talking about the people who left. About 40% of Democrats are now what sociologists call "religiously unaffiliated."
Atheists? Sure. Agnostics? Yep. But the biggest group in this category is the "nothing in particular" crowd. These are people who might believe in God or a higher power but have zero interest in a Sunday morning service. This group has ballooned from 9% in 2006 to over 34% today.
It's a "God Gap," for sure. But it's also a "Church Gap."
Race and Religion: The Great Divider
One thing that expert Ryan Burge often points out is that race is the strongest predictor of how religious a Democrat is. If you are a White Democrat, there is a 50/50 chance you are religiously unaffiliated. If you are a Black Democrat, there is an 80% chance you are religious, mostly Christian.
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This creates a weird tension. You have a party that is trying to appeal to very secular young voters in Brooklyn while simultaneously keeping the support of very traditional, church-going families in Atlanta. It’s a tightrope walk.
Why These Stats Matter for the Future
Political parties aren't just about taxes and roads; they are about values. As the percentage of Christians in the Democratic Party hover around that 50% line, the language of the party changes. You hear less "God bless America" and more "social justice is a moral imperative."
But don't count the Christians out. Black and Hispanic Christians are some of the fastest-growing demographics within the party's active base. They aren't going anywhere.
Actionable Insights for Navigating 2026 Politics:
- Watch the "Latino Shift": Keep an eye on Hispanic Catholics. If the Democratic percentage of Christians drops here, it usually signals a move toward the GOP.
- Don't assume "Secular" means "Atheist": Many Democrats who don't identify as Christian still consider themselves "Spiritual but not Religious." Campaigning on "values" still works, even if you aren't quoting scripture.
- Look at the 119th Congress: Notice the disconnect between the 75% Christian leadership and the 50% Christian base. This gap might close as younger, more secular candidates start running for office in 2026 and 2028.
- Focus on Black Protestant Turnout: Since this is the most loyal Christian block for Democrats, their participation remains the "canary in the coal mine" for Democratic electoral success.
The reality is that the Democratic Party is becoming a "post-Christian" party faster than the GOP, but it is still fundamentally anchored by a very religious core. Whether that 50% holds or continues to slide will define the next decade of American elections.