What Should Christians Do the Day After an Election?

By Dr. Layne McDonald

The day after an election, a Christian prays. We pray for the leaders who won and the ones who lost. We thank God that He is still on the throne. Then we go back to loving our neighbors, doing our work, and trusting God more than any headline.

What happened

On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the United States held its midterm elections. News outlets project that Democrats will control both the House and the Senate for the rest of President Donald Trump's term. That projection came after Democrats flipped seven Senate seats. Those seats were in Texas, Kansas, Maine, Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa, and South Carolina.

Two Senate races are still too close to call. Those races are in Alaska and Mississippi. Many voters said the economy weighed on their choices. Many also said the war with Iran weighed on their choices.

So the country wakes up today with new results and old feelings. Some people are glad. Some people are upset. Most of us have neighbors, family, and friends on both sides of that line. The question for a Christian is not only who won. The question is how we will live today.

What does the Bible say?

The Bible gives us clear steps for a day like this. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul urges us to pray for all people, and he names kings and all who are in authority. He says we do this so we can live peaceful and quiet lives, in godliness and honesty. Prayer for leaders is not a small thing. It is one of the first things God asks of His people.

Romans 13:1 teaches that the authorities that exist have been allowed by God. That does not mean every leader does right. It means God is not surprised, and He is not absent. He rules above every office and every term.

Psalm 146:3 gives the balance. It says, "Do not put your trust in princes." Our hope was never meant to rest on a person, a party, or a result. Our hope rests on the Lord. Leaders matter, and laws matter. But only God is worthy of our full trust.

How does a Christian go about this?

We start with prayer, not panic. We speak with grace, not anger. We stay honest about facts, and we refuse to hate people who voted another way. Then we get back to the plain work of faith.

Put it into practice

• Pray today for the President, for the new Congress, and for your state and local leaders, by name where you can.

• Thank God out loud that He is still in charge, no matter what the results say.

• Be kind to one person today who sees things very differently from you.

• Turn the news off for a while and open your Bible instead.

• Guard your words online. Do not post in anger, and do not pass on claims you have not checked.

• Keep doing your daily work with care, and trust God with what you cannot control.

Carry this with you

Friend, elections come and go, but God's kingdom does not shake. You may feel glad today, or you may feel grief. Either way, you are held by a God who loves you and who is still at work. Pray, love your neighbor, and walk through this day in peace. He is with you.

Questions people ask

Should I pray for leaders I did not vote for?

Yes. The Bible tells us to pray for all who are in authority, not only the ones we chose. Pray for their wisdom, their health, their families, and their hearts. God can work in any life, and prayer is how we take part.

How do I talk with family who voted differently?

Keep it gentle and keep it short if the talk gets hot. Listen more than you speak. Remember that the person in front of you matters more than the point you want to make. Your family bond is worth more than any election.

Need prayer right now? Text 1-901-213-7341 and someone will pray with you. Boundless is an online church family for people who cannot get to a building. You can belong here, and we will help you find a local Assemblies of God church near you. Visit boundlessonlinechurch.org.