The Power of Nevada’s Christian Community in Politics and Policy

Nevada’s Christian community is the largest religiously affiliated voting bloc in the state. Christians comprise roughly two-thirds of the state’s religious population and 60% of Nevada’s voting population. This group includes Catholics (approximately 21%), Evangelicals (18%), Protestants (15%), Mormons (6%), and smaller Christian denominations such as Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and Episcopalians, all part of Nevada’s diverse Christian population. These Nevadans significantly shape the state’s political landscape on issues like religious liberty, education, abortion, and immigration, as voter turnout among Christians surpasses that of the general population.

According to a ranking of America’s most Christian states, Alabama holds the highest percentage of Christian residents at 89%, reflecting a strong evangelical and Protestant presence. Nevada ranks significantly lower at 38th, indicative of a more diverse religious landscape. Vermont, known for its liberal and secular leanings, has the lowest proportion of Christians, though they still constitute a majority of their residents at 57%. Nationally, seven in ten Americans (70%) identify as Christian.

Nevada Christians exhibit diverse voting patterns. Evangelical Protestants, primarily located in rural areas and Las Vegas suburbs, predominantly supported Republican candidates like President Trump (R), aligning with GOP positions on religious liberty and abortion, as seen in their engagement through events like the Nevada Day of Prayer.

Nevada’s Catholics, amplified by the growing Latino/Hispanic population in Las Vegas, leans Democratic on welfare and immigration and leans Republican on economy on social conservatism. Many Latinos support Democrats like Sen. Cortez Masto, while over 100K Latino Catholic voters supporting President Trump (R) in the 2024 presidential election. This shift, based on national trends and state-level data, shows a slight increase in Republican support among Latino Catholics, though they predominantly favored Democrats on issues like labor and immigration.

Nevada’s Catholics, amplified by Las Vegas’ growing Latino population, lean Democratic on labor and immigration but Republican on economic issues and social conservatism. Nevada Latinos traditionally support Democrats like Sen. Cortez Masto (D), who is Catholic, though over 100K of Nevada’s Latino voters backed President Trump (R) in 2024, reflecting a slight increase in Republican support among Latino Catholics.

As for politically influential Christian organizations in Nevada, the Nevada Catholic Conference, representing 620K Catholics, wields bipartisan influence on many issues. The Faith & Freedom Coalition of Nevada mobilizes evangelical voters for Republican candidates, while smaller groups like Faith In Action Nevada and Nevadans for the Common Good advocate for progressive causes. Organizations like Renewing Life Center and God Behind Bars engage in community outreach and justice reform.

Christian organizations are also influential at Nevada’s state legislature through registered lobbyists and coalitions. The Nevada Catholic Conference, representing the Archdiocese of Las Vegas and Diocese of Reno, advocates for human dignity, pro-life issues, immigration reform, and support for vulnerable groups. Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada focuses on social services and poverty alleviation, while the American Christian Caucus champions conservative values, particularly religious liberty. The nonpartisan Mormon Women for Ethical Government also lobbies in Nevada for ethical governance from a faith-based perspective. These groups shape policies aligned with their social and moral values.

Archbishop of Las Vegas George Leo Thomas is likely Nevada’s most politically influential Christian leader, exercising bipartisan influence through advocacy on immigration reform, social justice, and pro-life issues, notably pressuring lawmakers like Rep. Susie Lee (D) with a 2022 op-ed calling for Communion bans for pro-choice Catholics and leading opposition to Death with Dignity bills through public letters urging Gov. Lombardo (R) to veto legislation legalizing medical aid in dying for terminally ill patients, while supporting initiatives like Catholic Charities, which depends on legislative funding to run programs such as Meals on Wheels.

In Las Vegas’ Historic Westside, Victory Missionary Baptist Church and Second Baptist Church draw many Nevada legislators. Victory’s former pastor, Rev. Robert Fowler, championed voter turnout and civil rights, while Second Baptist’s Pastor Clayton Moore mobilizes support for voting rights and economic equity, influencing local elections. Serving thousands weekly, both churches shape legislative focus on social justice.

Nevada’s leading Christian political donors include the Fertitta, Foley, Reviglio, and Carano families, along with Phil Ruffin, among others. Frank Fertitta III, a Catholic billionaire behind Station Casinos and UFC, donated nearly $10M to GOP causes over the past decade. Bill Foley, chairman of Fidelity National Financial and Vegas Golden Knights owner, financially supported Gov. Lombardo (R) and Pres. Trump (R). In Reno, the Catholic Reviglio family of Western Nevada Supply supports several elected officials, including city council and county commission members. The Caranos, tied to Eldorado Resorts, consistently support Reno and Washoe County candidates. Lastly, Phil Ruffin contributed millions to Pres. Trump’s campaign and Trump-aligned PACs. While many other high-profile Christian Nevadans contribute to political campaigns and causes, this group consistently donates to and engages in Nevada politics.

The future of Christian influence on Nevada politics is evolving amid the state's increasing diversity and urbanization, with evangelical and conservative Christian voters maintaining strong influence in rural areas and Republican strongholds, while secular and pluralistic trends in Las Vegas and Reno challenge traditional sway. Despite a national stabilization in Christian affiliation and growing engagement among younger generations, particularly Gen Z (51% church membership in 2024), Nevada's Christian political influence will hinge on adapting to a dynamic landscape where issues like religious liberty, education, and social values remain pivotal.