In this guide, we break down five storylines to explore how religion shapes—and is shaped by—the political landscape in the months ahead.

As we do every year, this edition looks ahead to the religion stories we think are likely to shape coverage in 2026, offering context, reporting angles and expert perspectives to help journalists anticipate how faith trends will continue to enter the frame.

Looking at seven issues from the perspective of diverse faith traditions in the U.S. — and the particular intersection of identifications, institutions and ideals they represent — helps us better get a sense of how religion may, or may not, play a role in determining the shape and outcome of this year’s vote.

Throughout 2024 — and, really, any time politics are in the news, which is always — we will see familiar narratives about what religious voters are doing. Pundits will ask who they are backing and why, what messaging and issues mobilize them. What will emerge is a version of events that conflates political conservatism with […]