What Donald Trump’s Election Means for Church United in 2025
2024 was an exciting and frightening year, culminating with Donald Trump’s November 5th Presidential election win.
This marked a momentous and even miraculous day in U.S. history. For millions of Christians across America, it was an answer to fervent prayers. We took to our knees, asking God that Donald Trump would not only reclaim the White House but also win with a wide enough margin to prevent chaos at ballot-counting centers and in the streets.
President Donald J. Trump. Time Magazine's Person of the Year, 2024
In the end, conservatives celebrated a resounding trifecta—winning back the White House, reclaiming the U.S. Senate, and narrowly holding on to the U.S. House of Representatives.
I am particularly grateful that Senator John Thune is now the Senate Majority Leader. As some of you know, Senator Thune has been a longtime friend of Church United. He will play a crucial role in helping President Trump implement ambitious plans such as securing the southern border, eliminating wasteful spending, restoring energy independence, and appointing key cabinet members and judges.
Friends of Church United: U.S. Senate Majority Leader-Elect John Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson. "We are excited to reclaim the majority and begin working with our colleagues in the House to enact President Trump's agenda," said Senator Thune. Courtesy of United States Senator John Thune, 2024.
In a few weeks, I will fly to Washington, D.C., for President Trump’s inauguration. Then, in February, Church United will again have representation as pastors gather for the National Day of Prayer and Repentance during our annual Washington D.C. Awakening Tour. These gatherings are essential for sustaining the momentum of the movement we’ve created, and I believe wonderful days are ahead!
Inauguration Day January 17, 2017. Church United had seats about 80 feet from the podium. Pastor Jim Domen at the United States Capitol.
That said, what does this new era mean for Church United? What does it mean for you—our supporters who share our vision of seeing pastors use their influence beyond the local church to summon Christian leaders to speak biblical truth to those in power?
After nearly two months of reflection, here are three critical takeaways from the November election that continue to ripple today:
Takeaway #1: Trump’s Victory Was a United Victory.
Not just a Church United victory but an American victory.
Support for President Trump’s agenda grew across the board. Despite the mainstream media's allegations of racism, the 2024 vote proved to be a unifying moment, as Latino Protestants and Catholics shifted to Trump in significant ways, stunning many election watchers.
CNN exit polls revealed that 53% of Hispanic Catholics voted for Trump, up from 28% in 2020. Pew Research found that “59% of voters who frequently attend religious services cast their ballot for Trump.” NPR noted that Trump “received major support from white Christians again — but also added others.” AP reported, “About 3 in 10 Black men under age 45 voted for Trump, roughly double the share he got in 2020. Young Latinos, particularly young Latino men, also were more open to Trump than in 2020.”
While these numbers among Hispanic voters are historic, they’re not surprising to me. I’ve witnessed this shift firsthand. In 2016, Church United increased its outreach to Hispanic pastors in California, and ever so slowly, the tide began to change.
The 2024 election results clearly show that people are voting according to their values. They are unifying rather than dividing by race. Now more than ever, Church United’s tent of influence is expanding, which fills me with joy!
For example, since Church United launched Spanish-language briefings for regional pastors of influence, there has been a dramatic shift in their commitment to cultural engagement with a biblical worldview. Meeting with Spanish-speaking pastors in San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties has fostered lifelong friendships. Church United has become a go-to source for truth on current issues.
Our behind-the-scenes work has helped raise awareness and educate pastors and their congregations. We are now seeing the fruits of our long-term commitment. While I won’t claim our efforts alone shifted the election results, I can say that Church United has been on the front lines.
Takeaway #2: The Trends Are Shifting.
As you know, California isn’t exactly a hotbed for conservative Christianity.
When the polls closed in California, few doubted that Kamala Harris would carry the Golden State. While the vote wasn’t close, it was tighter than expected.
Both California and New York showed 12-point swings for Trump compared to 2020. Even New Jersey, traditionally a reliably blue state, saw Trump come within 5 points of Harris, prompting Politico to declare it a potential swing state.
The improvement in California comes as Republicans were the only major party with registration gains across the state. Both Democrats and Independents lost registered voters since the 2022 mid-terms. In fact, an analysis from the Public Policy Institute of California showed the increase in Republican registration across all races, ethnicities, and ages, with Latinos making strong inroads.
This blue-state shift is even more remarkable given how many conservatives have already left California. In their absence, many remaining residents, frustrated by the woke, anti-God agenda of the left, have switched parties or voted across party lines.
This analysis underscores the critical role of Christians in our culture. We must continue to speak the truth and confront evil wherever it arises. Whether living in liberal strongholds or conservative refuges, we must all press on.
Takeaway #3: There Is Still Much Work To Be Done.
While there are reasons for optimism, there is still much work ahead.
Data from the 2024 election illustrates that evangelical voter turnout remains lackluster. A Baptist News article notes, “While Trump made gains in Christian voters across the board, the 2024 electorate appears to have been less Christian overall than in 2020. According to the exit polls, ‘Protestant and other Christian' voters dropped to 42% of voters, down from 43% in 2020. The Catholic vote dropped to 22%, down from 25% in 2020.”
According to Barna, “Among self-identified Christians, 56% voted, which was barely higher than the turnout among non-Christian faiths (53%).”
Despite gains in Christian voter support for Trump, the overall Christian share of the electorate declined. Pew Research shows that white evangelical Protestants have made up about a quarter of the U.S. electorate for the past two decades, with little growth.
In the 2020 election, this proportion increased to 28%, marking a high point over the past two decades. However, in the 2022 midterm elections, their share of the electorate decreased to 24%. On average, over the past ten election cycles spanning 20 years, white evangelicals have made up approximately 25.4% of voters.
This tells me there is tremendous room for improvement—and that’s where you can help.
An Opportunity to Seize
Heading into 2025, I’m optimistic about the current political climate, and Church United is ready to capitalize on this nationwide red wave.
As we approach the 10th anniversary of our founding, Church United is poised to expand on the groundwork we’ve laid—one issue and one event at a time.
To achieve this, Church United needs continued funding to fulfill our mission. Here are two specific ways you can partner with us:
Spanish-speaking events: Expanding our outreach to Hispanic pastors.
Regional briefings and U.S. Capitol events: Hosting gatherings where pastors can connect with elected officials and each other.
My goal in 2025 is to host events in San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties. Would you consider sponsoring one—or even all three?
Click HERE if you’d like to support.
With your help, I believe we can make a significant impact. I am deeply grateful for all we’ve accomplished together. As we step into this new year, we are blessed with renewed hope that our efforts are making a real difference.
What a joyous year 2025 can be!