Willy Rice Elected SBC President with Over 57% of Votes

Willy Rice, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, Florida, has been elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) at the 2026 Annual Meeting. Rice secured more than 57% of the vote, defeating South Carolina pastor Josh Powell, who received approximately 42% of the votes cast.

Rice’s victory marks a significant shift within the SBC, as he ran on a platform emphasizing renewal, doctrinal fidelity, and a return to the Great Commission. His campaign focused on addressing the challenges the denomination has faced, including decline and perceived doctrinal compromise. Rice rejected what he described as “woke ideologies” that he believes have hindered the SBC’s mission. He also advocated for greater transparency and accountability within SBC entities, ensuring that local churches have a voice in the denomination’s leadership.

In a statement following the election, SBC Executive Director William Wolfe highlighted the importance of institutional reform, calling it “hard and often thankless work.” He noted that Rice’s election could serve as a catalyst for revitalization, especially in an era marked by managerialism and bureaucratic entrenchment. Wolfe emphasized that the SBC is worth fighting for, even in the face of opposition.

Rice’s campaign also focused on engaging the “Billy Baptists”—a term he used to describe smaller, often overlooked churches within the SBC. He pledged to listen to and amplify their voices, addressing concerns that many feel have been ignored by the denomination’s leadership. This outreach resonated with many conservative Baptists who have grown disillusioned with the SBC’s direction.

In addition to calling for repentance and doctrinal fidelity, Rice encouraged Baptists to embrace their evangelistic zeal. He envisioned a renewed SBC that would reach more people in the United States and around the world over the next seven years. His leadership promises to bring a sense of purpose and direction to a denomination that has faced significant challenges in recent years.

Rice’s election reflects a broader movement within the SBC to address internal divisions and restore a sense of unity and purpose. His platform underscores the denomination’s commitment to its foundational beliefs while seeking practical solutions to its current struggles. As he prepares to take office, Rice’s leadership will be closely watched by many within the SBC who hope for a new era of renewal and growth.

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