Several Democratic candidates running in the November midterm elections are using Christian language while supporting policies on abortion and gender ideology that conflict with historic Christian teaching. The candidates include Texas Rep. James Talarico, who is running for U.S. Senate; Adam Hamilton, a United Methodist pastor running for U.S. Senate in Kansas; Iowa gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand; and Sarah Trone Garriott, a Lutheran minister challenging U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn in Iowa.
At a Jubilee Townhall event that aired live on CNN on Oct. 14, Talarico told a pro-life Texas voter that they had the “same goal” because both wanted fewer abortions, though he said they reached “different moral conclusions.” When the voter asked whether Jesus came to redeem sinners and is the only way to salvation, Talarico said, “I believe Jesus is the truth, the way and the light,” leaving out the rest of John 14:6: “No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Hamilton’s campaign has drawn attention because his church supported the United Methodist Church’s 2024 decision to embrace same-sex marriage and gay and lesbian clergy. The church also hosts “Coming out for Our Community” events. Hamilton was registered as a Republican until April, when he switched parties to run against Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas.
Center for Christian Virtue President Aaron Baer said Christians care about actions and must distinguish genuine biblical principles from ambiguous rhetoric that masks policies they consider immoral. He said, “You can’t say you are Christian and then want to systematically destroy little ones made in the image of God through abortion.”
Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said progressive Christianity lets modern ideology set the terms. He said that shows up in positions on “the sanctity and dignity of every single human life” and on marriage and family. Andrew Walker, dean of the seminary’s School of Theology, wrote that evangelicals who take the Bible seriously find more alignment with the current Republican platform, even while recognizing its imperfections.
The national question is not whether candidates can quote Scripture. It is whether their policies protect unborn children, honor God’s design for the family and defend religious liberty in public life.
