‘I voted for Kamala Harris and here's why that was the best option for me as a Christian’

Living in the UK during another contentious U.S. election spared me from the endless flood of campaign ads, but not from the hateful rhetoric echoing through a divided nation. Like so many others, I was eager for my vote to count.

Over the last year, I’ve spent time in prayer asking God to help me see American politics through the lens of Jesus. I’ve prayed for the candidates, thoughtfully read through their policies, and asked God for wisdom. Last week, along with over 150 million of my fellow Americans, I voted in the way that best reflected my Christian values. This year, that meant I voted for Harris.

Let me be clear, I don’t see myself as any ‘more Christian’ than those who voted for Trump

Let me be clear, I don’t see myself as any ‘more Christian’ than those who voted for Trump. I wholeheartedly believe in everyone’s right to vote for a candidate or political party which they feel best represents their values. Though disappointed, I also accept the election outcome as a reflection of democracy. You won’t find me chanting, “Not my president!” as Trump is sworn in on January 20th. In fact, you’ll find me praying for him.

Nor does my vote for Harris mean I fully support the Democratic Party, which I believe has failed people in many ways. Amongst other things, I disagree with the party’s decision to drop opposition to the death penalty from their platform, as well as Harris’s choice not to support a Gaza ceasefire. The DNC needs to reconnect with their roots – a shift which will help them resonate with more Americans.

And yet, when I cast my vote, I voted in line with my beliefs.

And yet, when I cast my vote, I voted in line with my beliefs. When it comes to key issues like poverty, healthcare, gun violence, and the environment, the Democratic party is most aligned with my Christian values.

I realise there are other American Christians who made a different calculation, but my hope is that we can find common ground in the teachings of Jesus. Through the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus teaches that the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). When Jesus asks who’s a neighbour in the parable, the answer is clear: the one who shows compassion.

If we pick parts of the Bible to justify our views but don’t model Jesus, full of compassion and love, we miss the point. My distinctiveness as a Christian is living like Jesus, and his most defining characteristic is love. Jesus doesn’t separate love from compassion. He doesn’t separate love from mercy.

What would it look like if we loved our neighbours like Jesus? We’d have healthy, real conversations around racial justice. We’d care for the poor and marginalised, recognizing the dignity and worth of every person. We’d reject xenophobic rhetoric, seeing immigrants and refugees as image-bearers. We’d look after our world, prioritising creation care. We’d establish stricter gun laws, protecting the lives of the innocent. We’d have healthcare that cares for all people. We’d listen to the stories of others, seeing the nuance within divisive topics.

Would Harris have enacted policies to address all the changes I long to see in my country? No. Was she the best of the candidates to reflect my Christian values? Yes.

American politics has a long road ahead to embrace the call to love our neighbours as ourselves. My prayer is that we, as Christians, would lead with radical love, reflecting Jesus in every part of our lives—including our politics. May we stand out by how deeply we care for others, living out our faith with great compassion and humility.