‘We Squandered an Opportunity’: The Christian Right on Its Election Rout

The Christian right suffered major losses in last week’s midterm elections, prompting activists to reassess their alliance with Donald Trump and prepare for the 2028 presidential contest. The results suggest its influence within the Republican Party has weakened, while concerns such as the Iran war and rising costs displaced issues that had previously mobilised its voters.

Activists say the Trump administration delivered few lasting policy gains for them beyond executive orders, and some argue the movement missed an opportunity to pass legislation. They are now giving greater attention to affordability and family costs, as religious progressives made arguments about immigration enforcement and social support. Losses reached states where conservative Christians had been influential, including Georgia and Mississippi; Senator Josh Hawley also urged Republicans to address evangelical and Catholic voters’ concerns about abortion.