Story perspectives

Pew Survey 2026: 3,592 U.S. Adults Sampled

5/15/2026

Center

Pew Survey

Three respondents were removed from the dataset after data-quality checks identified satisficing patterns.
Pew Research Center conducted Wave 191 of the Trends Panel survey April 6-12, 2026, receiving 3,592 responses from U.S. adults.
A base weight reflecting probability was calibrated and trimmed at the 1st and 99th percentiles.
The panel samples 90-98% of households, using next-birthday selection and oversampling Hispanic, Black, Asian respondents.

Right

Rededicate 250 Draws

Millions are expected at the Rededicate 250 prayer festival on the National Mall, marking 250 years of divine providence.
The Rededicate 250 prayer festival is set to take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Seventy-five percent of Republicans view religion’s influence positively, versus thirty-eight percent of Democrats.
Seventy-nine percent say churches should not back political candidates in elections.

Blindspot

Center coverage emphasized the Pew survey’s methodological details—including sample size, weighting, recruitment procedures, and data-quality checks—that Right coverage did not include.
Right coverage focused on public-opinion data about religion’s political role and the Rededicate 250 festival, which were not addressed in the Center summary.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 Pew Research Center released its first nationwide study of U.S. religious affiliation, finding about three-quarters of adults identified with a religion. Later surveys showed the unaffiliated share climb from 8% in 1990 to over 22% by 2014, driven by younger, more educated cohorts. The 2026 Pew poll and a prayer festival on the National Mall echo this shift and renewed scrutiny of methodology.

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Pew Survey

Three respondents were removed from the dataset after data-quality checks identified satisficing patterns.
Pew Research Center conducted Wave 191 of the Trends Panel survey April 6-12, 2026, receiving 3,592 responses from U.S. adults.
A base weight reflecting probability was calibrated and trimmed at the 1st and 99th percentiles.
The panel samples 90-98% of households, using next-birthday selection and oversampling Hispanic, Black, Asian respondents.

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