BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – North Dakota Republican voters strongly believe that Christian values should play a significant role in government and U.S. laws, according to a new statewide poll released by the North Dakota News Cooperative (NDNC).
The NDNC poll revealed that 73% of Republican primary voters think the U.S. will cease to be a country if it moves away from its Christian foundations. Similarly, 71% believe U.S. laws should be based on Christian values, and 61% consider being Christian an important aspect of being American.
“The role of religion in government and politics has been such a topic of debate and seems to have created some divisions within the party, and of course within the country,” said Mary Jo Hotzler, co-leader of the NDNC poll committee. “Now seemed like the right time to check in with North Dakota voters on the issue.”
The poll found that Republicans in the state are divided on the party’s direction. Of the 500 eligible North Dakota voters likely to vote in the June 11 Republican primary, 45% believe the party is heading in the right direction, while 37% disagree, and 19% are undecided. The poll, conducted from May 20-22, 2024, has a margin of error of +/- 4.4%.
Republican Party Direction
In the gubernatorial race, 49% of those likely to vote for Congressman Kelly Armstrong feel the party is on the right track, whereas 48% of those backing Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller think the party is headed in the wrong direction. Among U.S. House candidates, Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak has the highest percentage of supporters who believe the party is on the right path at 51%. Conversely, 73% of potential voters for attorney and former Miss America Cara Mund feel the party is off course.
Party Identification and Ideology
The poll also delved into party identification and ideology. Among respondents, 39% identified as very conservative, 31% as somewhat conservative, and 23% as moderate Republicans. In the House race, Fedorchak leads among strong Republicans with 36%, whereas Becker is favored by very conservatives at 34%. Independents are more likely to support Becker (32%) over Fedorchak (23%). Mund shows stronger support among independents (17%) and moderates (22%).
Role of Christianity
A substantial majority of respondents, 71%, believe U.S. laws should be based on Christian values, and 61% tie being Christian to being “truly American.” Views on Christian nationalism are more mixed; 42% agree that God has called Christians to dominate all areas of American society, while 36% disagree. Additionally, 54% think the U.S. government should declare the country a Christian nation, with 30% opposed.
Former state representative Rick Becker appears to attract the most ultra-conservative Christian voters. Among his supporters, 83% believe U.S. laws should reflect Christian values, 63% want the U.S. declared a Christian nation, 85% fear the country is in peril without Christian values, and 65% associate Christianity with American identity. However, only 48% of Becker’s voters agree that Christians are called to exercise dominion over American society, though this is higher than for any other congressional candidate.
The poll highlights significant divisions within the North Dakota GOP over the influence of Christian values in governance, underscoring ongoing debates within the party and the country at large.