Did the 2026 midterms put religion back in politics?

About this episode

For years, religion in American politics has been closely associated with the right. But in the 2026 midterm elections, candidates on the left — including Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and James Talarico in Texas — were notably vocal about their faith. That raises questions that have long been simmering: At a time of deep division and growing secularism, what role should faith play in a religiously diverse democracy? And how openly should religious people bring their beliefs into public life? Host Megan McArdle talks with Washington Post contributing columnist Shadi Hamid, co-author of “Can Religion Save Democracy?,” about faith, pluralism and democracy. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.