BTN News: As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, a significant shift is taking place among Latino evangelical pastors, with many voicing strong support for Donald Trump. According to a recent study by Lifeway Research, nearly 97% of U.S. Protestant pastors plan to vote in the upcoming election. However, the preferences of Latino evangelical leaders have drawn particular attention. Almost half of this group has declared their backing for Trump, citing key reasons such as national security and conservative judicial appointments. These findings highlight a notable trend in the political engagement of religious leaders, especially among the Latino evangelical community.
Latino Evangelical Pastors and the Shift in Political Engagement
Historically, Latino evangelical pastors have been less involved in political discussions. However, this has changed in recent years, particularly as the demographic landscape among Latino believers has evolved. A Pew Research Center study noted that the Catholic Church, once the dominant religious group among U.S. Hispanics, now represents only 47% of Latino believers. Evangelicals, meanwhile, make up 23% of the Latino population—a growing segment that is increasingly aligning with conservative political values.
This shift in religious and political affiliation may explain why 49% of Latino evangelical pastors now support Trump’s 2024 presidential run, far surpassing the 13% who back Vice President Kamala Harris. Lifeway’s research attributes much of this support to Trump’s focus on national security, with 78% of Latino pastors citing this as their primary reason for endorsing him.
National Security and Judicial Appointments Key to Trump’s Appeal
A compelling reason for Trump’s strong backing among Latino evangelical pastors is his stance on national security. For 78% of the surveyed pastors, Trump’s ability to maintain the safety of the nation stood out as a decisive factor in their support. This aligns with a broader trend among conservative evangelicals who prioritize security concerns over other issues.
In addition to national security, 65% of Latino pastors are drawn to Trump’s potential influence on the U.S. Supreme Court. Many pastors believe Trump’s promise to appoint conservative judges will help preserve their values, particularly regarding religious freedom and social issues. The support for a conservative majority in the court has become a rallying point for many in this community.
Pastors’ Views on Other Issues: Climate Crisis and Morality
While national security and judicial appointments are top priorities, other issues appear to have less influence on the political decisions of Latino evangelical pastors. The study revealed that only 42% of these pastors view the climate crisis as an important topic, contrasting with the 65% of African American pastors who consider it a pressing concern.
Moral character, an issue often discussed in political discourse, also seems to be of limited importance to Latino evangelical pastors. A mere 22% of those surveyed see the moral integrity of a candidate as a critical factor in their decision-making process, a sentiment that mirrors the views of many white pastors. This indifference towards a candidate’s personal character signals a growing trend among religious voters who prioritize policy over personal conduct.
The Broader Picture: African American Pastors and White Evangelicals
While Latino evangelical pastors show strong support for Trump, the overall landscape of religious leadership in the U.S. remains diverse. Among African American pastors, Vice President Kamala Harris enjoys substantial support, with 71% planning to vote for her in the 2024 election. This contrast highlights the differing political priorities within religious communities, as African American pastors often emphasize social justice and equality.
Meanwhile, white evangelical pastors also lean heavily towards Trump. According to the survey, 53% of white pastors intend to vote for Trump, with this figure rising to 65% among Baptists and Pentecostals—two groups that have long aligned with conservative politics.
Growing Political Influence Among Latino Evangelicals
The political preferences of Latino evangelical pastors reflect broader changes in how Latino communities engage with politics. In the past, many Latino congregations remained apolitical or aligned with more liberal viewpoints. However, as the number of evangelical believers grows, so too does their political influence, particularly within the Republican Party.
Experts suggest that the shift away from Catholicism and towards evangelicalism among Latinos could continue to reshape U.S. politics in the coming years. Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, remarked on this transformation, noting that pastors are increasingly willing to share their political views, though many still remain cautious about disclosing their voting intentions.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Latino Evangelical Political Engagement
The 2024 election may mark a pivotal moment for Latino evangelical pastors and their congregations. With growing support for Donald Trump based on issues like national security and judicial appointments, Latino evangelicals are emerging as a powerful conservative force. As the election nears, the political voice of this community will likely continue to grow, influencing both the religious and political landscape of the United States.
