Congressional Freethought Caucus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Co-chairs | Jared Huffman andJamie Raskin |
| Founded | April 25, 2018 |
| Ideology | Secularism Evidence-based policy |
| National affiliation | Nominally: Nonpartisan De facto: Democratic Party |
| Colors | Blue |
| Seats in theSenate Democratic Caucus | 0 / 47 |
| Seats in theUnited States Senate | 0 / 100 |
| Seats in theHouse Democratic Caucus | 33 / 213 (plus 1 non-voting) |
| Seats in theUnited States House of Representatives | 33 / 435 (plus 1 non-voting) |
| Website | |
| Congressional Freethought Caucus | |
TheCongressional Freethought Caucus is amembership organization in theUnited States House of Representatives established to promote policy solutions based on reason and science, and to defend the secular character of government. RepresentativesJared Huffman andJamie Raskin have co-chaired the caucus since its April 2018 formation.
The Congressional Freethought Caucus was unveiled by Huffman during theSecular Coalition for America annual awards dinner in Washington, DC.[1] The Secular Coalition for America released a statement applauding the founding members of the caucus: "The formation of a Congressional Freethought Caucus is a milestone moment for nonreligious Americans in our continued struggle for inclusion in the political process and recognition as a constituency. We are living in a time when one-quarter of Americans identify as nonreligious and yet, despite these demographic changes, our community is still disparaged, stigmatized, and underrepresented in elected offices at every level of government. By proudly and unapologetically standing up for the nonreligious, these Members of Congress have struck a powerful blow against the de facto religious test that keeps so many secular Americans from seeking public office."[2]
According to a 2019 Gallup poll, only 60% of Americans would vote an atheist for president. This is lower than the number who would vote for an African American, Jewish, gay, or Muslim candidate.[3]
| Election year | Overall seats | Democratic seats | Non-voting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 14 / 435 | 14 / 233 | 1 Delegate |
| 2020 | 17 / 435 | 17 / 222 | 1 Delegate |
| 2022 | 22 / 435 | 22 / 213 | 1 Delegate |
| 2024 | 31 / 435 | 31 / 215 | 1 Delegate |
| 2026 | 33 / 435 | 33 / 213 | 1 Delegate |
The CFC was formed in April 2018 by four members of theU.S. House: RepresentativesJared Huffman,Jamie Raskin,Jerry McNerney, andDan Kildee,[4] soon joined byPramila Jayapal.[5]
The caucus was established in reaction to the influence of religion, especially that of theChristian right, in public policymaking in ways that the caucus's founders deem inappropriate in a secular government. They see such influence as hampering effective and appropriate responses to issues ranging from climate change to gun violence. Huffman has identified as a humanist without a God belief, but has indicated that the caucus is open to religious members who support the use of science and reason and defend a secular government.[6] TheAmerican Humanist Association and the Center for Freethought Equality were involved in "helping establish the caucus" by consultation.[7]
Former House of Representatives historianRay Smock and historian of science and religion Stephen Weldon have noted what they see as the caucus's unique and historic nature. Smock says it hearkens back to theEnlightenment ideas from the founding of the nation, and Weldon points out the political liability of being non-religious.[5] Raskin called the caucus "historic", while Huffman stated it would "help spark an open dialogue about science and reason-based policy".[8]
By September 2018, the caucus had added four more members and actively opposedBrett Kavanaugh's nomination to theSupreme Court of the United States.[9] Membership has since expanded modestly,[10][11][12][13][14] with new members joining in September 2025[15] and January 2026.
| Term start | Term end | Chair(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | present | Rep.Jared Huffman (CA-02) andJamie Raskin (MD-8) | |
All current members caucus with theDemocratic Party; the119th Congress has 34 declared members.[16]
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Coordinator of the Freethought Equality FundPolitical Action Committee, Ron Millar, who participated in planning the caucus, stated specific aims the aforementioned PAC "wants to see", including "action against climate change"; "access to contraception and abortion"; and "maintaining" theJohnson Amendment (which establishes that tax-exempt nonprofits like religious organizations cannot endorse political candidates), among others.[18]