Washington state Christian voters split over faith and politics
Faith is shared across a community in southern Washington, but residents disagree on what it means for government and public life.
Key points
- Church members in Longview, Washington, hold a range of political views despite shared Christian faith
- Pastor Ron Peterson backs Trump on religious issues but criticises his fiscal record
- Laura Oltmann rejects the idea that the US is God's kingdom on Earth
- Faith is part of a close House race in Washington's third congressional district
- Experts warn that Christian localism can concentrate religious influence in small communities
Christian voters in southern Washington state do not agree on how faith should shape politics. Reporting by The Guardian describes a community where churchgoers hold a wide range of views, even as they share the same religion.
In Longview, Ron Peterson, pastor of Longview United Pentecostal church, said his congregation is racially diverse. According to Peterson, at least two-thirds of his members are Latino, Asian, Black or of multiracial backgrounds. That mix sits in contrast with the common image of evangelical Christians, who are largely white and who overwhelmingly backed Donald Trump in 2024.
Peterson gives the president high marks for advancing causes important to his faith. He said Trump had done more for the country’s righteousness than almost any president. He also argued that Trump is not a true fiscal conservative and has done poorly on fiscal responsibility. Asked about Trump’s legal matters and personal conduct, Peterson pointed to the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v Wade in 2022. He said his judgment ultimately comes back to his faith.
A close race and a shared faith
Religion is also playing a role in a nearly even contest for the House seat covering Washington’s third district. Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, the current office holder, is up against Republican John Braun in a race many observers follow closely. Both candidates have used religion to reach voters.
Gluesenkamp Perez’s father was an evangelical pastor, and she has spoken about sometimes feeling that her Christianity has embarrassed her Democratic colleagues. Braun has defended religious and conservative speech on college campuses.
Yale academic Daniel HoSang, whose research focuses on racial politics and right-leaning movements, described two competing visions of a Christian nation. For some, he said, it means protecting the freedom to practise faith. For others, it could mean that Christianity holds a favoured status in state institutions and society, leaving followers of other religions worse off.
Voices from a nearby town
In Battle Ground, the Guardian spoke with Laura Oltmann, a 41-year-old dietitian who grew up in a conservative Christian family. She described being uncomfortable with what she sees as the growing exclusion within the Republican party. She said being Christian should not be equated with holding a particular set of political beliefs.
Oltmann also disagrees with the view that America enjoys a distinctive standing within Christian belief. She said she does not believe America is God’s kingdom on Earth. Her views on abortion are complex. She said the issue cannot be reduced to a simple political choice, and she questioned whether opposing abortion fits with resisting programmes that support children and families.
Oltmann said she was troubled by Trump’s immigration crackdown, particularly the possibility of immigration enforcement reaching hospitals. She voted for Gluesenkamp Perez, describing her as middle of the road.
Concerns about local influence
The article also looks at Christian localism, a movement that focuses on building influence in smaller communities. Frederick Clarkson, a researcher at Political Research Associates, said religious groups may find it easier to shape local institutions where populations are smaller.
Oregon Public Broadcasting reported that Joe Kent, a former Republican candidate who lost to Gluesenkamp Perez twice, appeared on a local Christian localism podcast. Kent has denied past claims that he had ties to white nationalists. Oregon Public Broadcasting also reported in April on property purchases in Battle Ground linked to a local executive. The Guardian’s account does not confirm all details of these reports.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dispute among Christian voters in Washington state?
Christian voters in southern Washington hold different views on the role of religion in politics. Some support Donald Trump on religious grounds, while others reject the idea that the US is Godu0026#039;s kingdom on Earth.
Which House race is linked to the religion debate?
The race is for Washingtonu0026#039;s third congressional district. Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez faces Republican John Braun, and both have used religion to connect with voters.
What is Christian localism?
Christian localism focuses on building influence in smaller communities. According to Frederick Clarkson of Political Research Associates, religious groups may have more chances to shape local institutions there.
Sources
- The Guardian: Christian voters in Washington state divided by common religion: ‘I don’t think the US is God’s kingdom on Earth’
This article was written with the help of AI from reports by the outlets listed above. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
