By Christian Dispatch Staff
Doug Pagitt, a progressive evangelical pastor and director of Vote Common Good, argues in a recent op-ed that the Democratic Party continues to overlook a critical — and winnable — bloc of voters: Christians. Drawing from his experience working with candidates like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Pagitt highlights how authentic outreach to faith communities can move the electoral needle, especially in swing states.
In his view, Democrats don’t need to become religious — they need to acknowledge and engage religious voters with respect and clarity. Polling data backs him up: many Christian voters are open to Democratic candidates, but feel ignored — or worse, unwelcome — by the party.
Pagitt’s message echoes a growing frustration among Christian conservatives and moderates alike who feel that much of the political left not only ignores Christianity but is often openly hostile toward it. In a political climate where elections are decided by razor-thin margins, Pagitt warns that continuing to neglect religious voters could cost Democrats dearly.