Survey finds most Protestant pastors avoid political endorsements from the pulpit

A recent Lifeway Research survey indicates that 93% of Protestant pastors in the United States do not intend to endorse political candidates during worship services ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The study, which polled 1,003 pastors, found that only 5% plan to make such endorsements, while the remaining respondents were uncertain. These findings persist despite a 2025 IRS statement suggesting that the agency would not revoke the tax-exempt status of churches for speech regarding electoral politics.

Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, noted that the survey sought to determine if pastoral neutrality was driven by tax law compliance or personal conviction. The data revealed demographic and denominational variations, with African American and minority-ethnic pastors being more likely to endorse candidates than their white counterparts. Additionally, Pentecostal, Baptist, and non-denominational leaders expressed a higher likelihood of political endorsement compared to Lutheran and Methodist pastors.

The survey follows legal challenges to the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 law restricting political activity by nonprofits. Although the IRS moved to settle a lawsuit regarding the enforcement of these restrictions, a federal judge later declined to approve the agreement, citing jurisdictional limitations.