Recent polling by the Pew Research Center indicates a significant shift in Catholic voter support, with a majority now favoring former President Donald Trump over President Joe Biden. According to the poll reported by The Daily Caller, 55% of Catholic voters would either vote for or lean toward voting for Trump, compared to only 43% for Biden, marking a 12-point gap.
This change represents a notable departure from the 2020 election, where Catholic voter preferences were nearly evenly split between Trump and Biden. Biden’s policies, particularly on issues like abortion and gender identity, have contributed to this shift, putting him at odds with certain teachings of the Catholic Church.
Criticism from figures like Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who labeled Biden a “cafeteria Catholic” for selectively adhering to aspects of the faith, has further highlighted this divide. The decline in support for Biden is especially apparent among Hispanic Catholics, with his lead over Trump shrinking significantly compared to previous polls.
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The survey also suggests a correlation between religiosity and conservatism, with Catholic voters who attend church more frequently showing a greater propensity to support Trump. This trend underscores the complexities of balancing personal faith with political policy positions.
Overall, the shift in Catholic voter preferences poses a significant challenge for Biden as he navigates the political landscape, especially considering the importance of this demographic in national elections. It reflects the broader dynamics of religious and political affiliation and their impact on electoral outcomes.
