Get to know 12 pastors running as Democrats in 2026

Pastors are running as Democrats for state and federal offices across the United States. These candidates may have a unique ability to connect with voters across the political aisle. Below is a list of 12 such candidates. Some big names, some newcomers. Next, I’ll examine the precincts they’re running in and build a broader picture of their social media presence.

Frederick Haynes III (TX-30, D)
Senior Baptist pastor at Friendship-West in Dallas; running for Congress to replace Jasmine Crockett (running for senator). Haynes is Crockett’s pastor. Progressive platform (Medicare for All, ICE reform); campaign shaped by redistricting politics.
Links:

• Church Website: https://www.friendshipwest.org/our-pastor

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haynesforcongress/ (Congress). https://www.instagram.com/fhunscripted/?hl=en (Pastor)

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frederick.d.haynes/

• Texas Tribune article: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/01/15/frederick-haynes-congress-dallas-pastor-jasmine-crockett-2026/

Matt Schultz (AK-At Large, D)
Presbyterian pastor in Anchorage. Emphasizes low-income housing and community welfare.
Links:

• Website: https://www.mattschultzforalaska.com/

• Church Website: https://www.firstpresanchorage.org/leadership

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattforalaska/

Sarah Trone Garriott (IA-3, D)
Lutheran minister and former state senator; running for U.S. House. Faith-driven public service message; currently serving as a member of the Iowa Senate from the 14th district.
Links:

• Website: https://sarahforiowa.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahforiowa/?hl=en

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahforiowa

Lindsay James (IA-2, D)
Presbyterian pastor mounting a primary challenge. Messaging centers on local neighborhoods and community connection; has represented the 99th District in the Iowa House of Representatives since 2019
Links:

• Website: https://www.lindsayforiowa.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsay4iowa

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindsayjamesIA

• YouTube short highlights her emphasis on local: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1ZGovO9tyRI

Clint Twedt-Ball (IA-2, D)
United Methodist pastor and nonprofit founder; primary challenger. Campaign rooted in social services and community development work.
Links:

• Website: https://clintforiowa.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clintforiowa

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clintforiowa

• Iowa Capital Dispatch article: https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/07/22/clint-twedt-ball-founder-of-matthew-25-nonprofit-launches-2nd-district-campaign/

Chaz Molder (TN-5, D)
Baptist lay pastor and Mayor of Columbia, TN; entering the House race. Faith + municipal leadership; local credibility.
Links:

• Website: https://www.chazmolder.com/

• About the Mayor: https://www.columbiatn.gov/771/About-the-Mayor

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chazmolder/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayorchazmolder/

• Tennessee Lookout article: https://tennesseelookout.com/2026/02/04/columbia-mayor-molder-holds-financial-advantage-in-5th-district-race/

Raphael Warnock (GA Senate, D)
Senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church and sitting U.S. senator of GA. High-profile incumbent blending Black church leadership with national Democratic politics. Rising figure in 2026 national discourse.
Links:

• Website: https://warnockforgeorgia.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raphaelwarnock

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SenatorWarnock/

• CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/georgia-sen-warnock-to-visit-alex-pretti-memorial-meet-with-faith-leaders-after-minneapolis-shooting/

Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5, D)
United Methodist pastor and longtime incumbent congressman (since 2005). Veteran figure linking ministry, Kansas City politics, and steady reelection bids.
Links:

• Website: https://cleaver.house.gov/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/repcleaver

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emanuelcleaverii

• NPR article on challenges he faces following redistricting: https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2025-07-30/missouri-5th-congressional-district-candidates-cleaver-2026-election

Robb Ryerse (AR-3, D)
Nondenominational pastor and former Republican. Faith-forward messaging with bipartisan/values language; challenging GOP incumbent.
Links:

• Website: https://www.robbforcongress.com/

• Ballotpedia profile: https://ballotpedia.org/Robb_Ryerse

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbryerse

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robbforarkansas/

Rodney LaBruce (TX-30, D)
Dallas-area pastor running in a crowded Democratic primary. Local church leadership background; limited national profile so far. On ballot March 3.
Links:

• Website: https://labruceforcongress.com

• Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Rodney_LaBruce

Orrick Quick (NC Senate, D)
Baptist pastor and former church leader; Senate candidate in a tough statewide race. Positions faith as moral leadership in politics, calls out racism from national figures. Quick scan of his Facebook discourse suggests that faith is the lens through which is followers understand politics.
Links:

• Website: https://orrickquick.com

• Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Orrick_Quick

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orrick.quick/

James Talarico (TX Senate, D)
State representative and lay preacher/teacher at progressive congregations. Faith-inflected progressive voice running statewide in a Republican-leaning environment.
Links:

• Website: https://jamestalarico.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestalarico/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestalarico

• Washington Post article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/09/09/james-talarico-texas-senate-race-cornyn-paxton/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• Fox7 Austin article: https://www.fox7austin.com/news/james-talarico-us-senate