Show Notes
Why Does Politics Reward the Wrong People?
Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger joins Curtis Chang on the Good Faith podcast to discuss the 2026 midterm elections, political corruption, and how Christians can evaluate political leaders. Kinzinger argues that character is revealed when leaders put public responsibility ahead of personal comfort—even when it means challenging their own party. Drawing on his vote to impeach Donald Trump and his service on the January 6 committee, he explores what restoring congressional accountability requires. They also discuss why principled candidates struggle to stay in office and how Christians can oppose harmful actions while loving their enemies and praying for political opponents.
02:33 - What Is the Meaning of Heroism? 04:34 - Models of Courage for Congress 09:54 - Faith and the January 6 Impeachment Vote 14:08 - Adam's Midterm Elections Predictions 17:55 - The Other Side of the "God Gap" 22:51 - Avoiding Political Idolatry 25:18 - The Impacts of Redistricting on Congressional Careers 29:00 - Cross-Partisan Alliances and Democratic Principles 31:24 - Are There Candidates Who Understand the Stakes? 36:21 - How Does Political Corruption Work? 42:32 - Adam's Guide to Assessing Character and Examining Records 46:45 - Is There Hope for Congress? 52:37 - Praying for Political Enemies
Find more resource for this episode HERE Sign up for The After Party course
Mentioned in this episode: Listen to Good Faith episode 255: David French: What Christians Should Want on Election Night Adam Kinzinger's That's What Heroes Do Adam Kinzinger's Substack Newsletter & Podcast Adam Kinzinger's 2024 Democratic National Convention Speech (transcript) Listen to Good Faith episode 163: "Adam Kinzinger Defends Democracy and Embraces Biblical Hope" Check out The After Party
Scriptures: Matthew 5:43–45 (ESV) Psalm 119:105 (ESV) Matthew 6:10 (ESV) 1 Corinthians 15:20–23 (ESV) Matthew 5–7 (ESV)
More From Adam Kinzinger: Adam Kinzinger's Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country Adam Kinzinger's Country First Movement
Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook
The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.
More from Good Faith
Can We Speak About Jesus's Transforming Power Without Reducing It To a Consumer Product?
Will the Midterms Be a Tourniquet, a Cure, or Something Else Entirely?
Escaping the Digital Age Where Noise Is Our Destiny
Can the Next Generation Do Politics Better Than We Have?
What Happens When Power, Politics, and Judges Collide? (Spoiler: It's Complicated)