The Gap Today
Religious identity can deeply shape a lawmaker's worldview, especially on divisive issues like abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and education policy. Comparing Congress to the general U.S. population reveals a clear gap: while just 33% of Americans are Protestant, 57% of Congress identifies as such. Meanwhile, 25% of Americans claim no religious affiliation — yet only 4% of Congress falls into that category. This imbalance suggests that the religious makeup of Congress may not fully reflect the growing religious diversity and secularization of the nation, with potential consequences for whose values are prioritized in national policy debates.
Understanding the racial and ethnic makeup of Congress helps us evaluate how well lawmakers reflect the population they serve. While about 60% of Americans identify as white, roughly 75% of Congress does. Meanwhile, groups like Asian Americans—who make up nearly 7% of the U.S. population—hold just 3% of seats in Congress. These gaps can influence which voices and experiences are centered in national debates, from education policy to immigration reform.
While Congress has made important strides toward greater inclusion, real representation remains a moving target. Our government shapes policies that touch every part of American life — and when the people making those decisions don't fully reflect the country's diversity, certain voices risk being left unheard. True representation is not just about ticking demographic boxes; it's about ensuring a broader range of experiences, perspectives, and priorities are part of our national conversation. As America continues to evolve, so too must the institutions that serve it.