Eric L. McDaniel

Eric L. McDaniel is a Professor in the Department of Government at the University of Texas at Austin and co-director of the Politics of Race and Ethnicity (PRE) Lab. His academic career focuses on the intersection of race, religion, and politics in the American context, with particular expertise in Black church politics and Christian nationalism.

Professor McDaniel's research interests include:

• Race and Politics
• Religion and Politics
• Christian Nationalism
• Black Church Politics
• Religious Freedom
• Health Policy and Religion
• Political Mobilization

His scholarly work demonstrates a consistent focus on how religious identity, particularly within African American communities, shapes political behavior and attitudes. His most notable publications include Politics in the Pews: The Political Mobilization of Black Churches and The Everyday Crusade: Christian Nationalism in American Politics (co-authored with Irfan Nooruddin and Allyson Shortle). Analysis of his recent publications reveals an expanding research agenda that now encompasses contemporary issues of religious freedom, health policy attitudes shaped by religion, and the complex relationship between Christian nationalism and progressive political identities across racial groups.

Professor McDaniel teaches courses including Comparative Groups and Nations, Black Church in African American Politics, and American Government. His work has significant implications for understanding how religious identity shapes political behavior, particularly in the context of American racial politics.