Detroit Pastor Lorenzo Sewell has voiced criticism of progressive Democratic candidates, asserting that their attempts to incorporate Christian faith and scripture into their campaigns are a form of “virtue-signaling” aimed at appealing to Christian voters.
Sewell, speaking to Fox News Digital, suggested that these candidates seek to “placate, and try to propagate to Christians” because Christians represent a significant voting bloc in the United States. He highlighted the historical significance of faith in the nation's founding and its role in spreading Christianity globally.
This criticism comes as several progressive Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate have woven their religious beliefs into their campaign messaging. Candidates such as Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon, former Michigan health official Abdul El-Sayed, and Texas state Rep. James Talarico have drawn attention for their approaches.
Talarico, a Texas state lawmaker and graduate of a theological seminary, has frequently referenced biblical scripture to support progressive policy positions. He has argued that Jesus’s teachings focused on issues like poverty, healthcare, and housing, rather than partisan cultural debates. Talarico has posed questions such as, "what would Jesus do about a tax system that benefits the rich over the poor?"
Nixon, the Democratic Senate nominee in Florida, has also drawn parallels between her political stances and those of Jesus Christ, stating, "Jesus was a radical."
El-Sayed, who is Muslim, invoked Jesus when discussing his policy platform on the "Progressive Christians Podcast." He remarked, "Jesus — peace and blessings be upon him — was considered radical in his time, too."
Sewell contends that these progressive Democrats lack a genuine agenda for the church and are using religious language for political gain. He contrasted this with former President Donald Trump, whom he described as the only president with an agenda for the local church and one who honored its presence. Sewell stated he would be preaching at an upcoming RNC event because he felt Trump honored God, adding that "you won't hear Jesus in the DNC."