Episode 278 | October 15, 2026

David French: What Christians Should Want on Election Night

On election night, I’m going to be praying for justice. I’m going to be praying for an end to corruption. I’m going to be praying for an end to lies. I’m going to be praying for an end to unlawful and illegal wars. In other words, all of these things really are deeply rooted in biblical concepts of justice. So I’m going to be praying that justice be done.

— David French

Episode Overview

Will the Midterms Be a Tourniquet, a Cure, or Something Else Entirely?

Does who wins Congress matter? What happens to American democracy after the midterms may be up for grabs. Good Faith “founding friend” and New York Times columnist David French joins Curtis Chang to look beyond the 2026 midterm scoreboard and explore what the elections could mean for presidential power, political extremism, and the church’s public witness. They discuss the limits of congressional checks on President Trump, the Texas Senate race between James Talarico and Ken Paxton, and why restoring trust requires more than a partisan victory. David and Curtis also offer practical ways Christians can move to active participation—and a call to pray for justice, repentance, and reconciliation.

Chapters

01:28

David Forecasts the Midterms

06:45

Can a Democratic Congress Check the President?

13:10

The Republican Party’s Future and Moderate Candidates

17:48

Institutional Damage and Constitutional Checks

22:47

Election Integrity and the Risk of Close Results

30:22

The Need to Move from Spectatorship to Participation

35:50

Speaking Up in Evangelical Churches

41:08

Is Texas a Signal for Faith and Politics?

46:23

Why Do Candidates Like Adam Kinzinger Struggle?

51:03

David’s Call to Prayer

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Resources from the Episode

Good Faith: David French: Can We Trust the Supreme Court?

David French’s The ‘God Gap’ Is Narrowing in Texas

Virginia Ratifying Convention debate: Article 2, Section 2, Clause 1

Congressional authority to judge its members’ elections and qualifications:

Learn more about The After Party course

David French’s New York Times pieces

David French on Threads

Scripture from the Episode

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

Jeremiah 29:7

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

1 Timothy 2:1–2

Prayer Points from this Episode

Justice

Pray for an end to corruption, lies, and unlawful wars. Pray for an end to the mistreatment of immigrants and to violations of the First Amendment and free speech.

Repentance

Pray for those who have been corrupt or malicious to see what they’ve done and ask God, and their neighbors, for forgiveness. David says this will take a work of the Holy Spirit.

Reconciliation

Pray for Americans to be ready and willing to show grace, so the country can move past this moment instead of repeating a cycle of vengeance.

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