Robertson helped evangelicals gain political power in the United States. He was known for provocative statements and extreme positions, including against abortion and homosexuals.
In 1988, he ran for the Republican presidential nomination, but dropped out of the race early. Evangelicals are now an important and influential group of voters who contributed to Republican Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election. The televangelist also founded the conservative organization Christian Coalition, which was instrumental in politically mobilizing evangelical Christians. He died at his home in Virginia Beach on the Atlantic coast.