Mormons Might Back Democrats in Arizona

Members of the Church of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as Mormons, may play a pivotal role in the upcoming 2024 election in Arizona, particularly if their disapproval of former President Donald Trump persists. In the 2020 election, President Joe Biden made significant inroads with Mormon voters, capturing 18% of their support compared to just 9% for Hillary Clinton in 2016. However, recent polls suggest Biden may be losing traction with this demographic, prompting Vice President Kamala Harris to launch a campaign initiative titled “Latter-day Saints for Harris-Walz.” The initiative, which evolved from “Latter-day Saints for Biden,” has reportedly seen a surge in volunteer engagement, doubling shortly after Biden suspended his reelection campaign. This shift highlights the urgency of the current political climate, as Harris emphasizes the stakes involved for democracy and cultural values. Former Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, who identifies as Mormon, acknowledged the community's diverse perspectives, suggesting that many Mormons are still grappling with their political affiliations. With over 442,000 members of the Mormon church residing in Arizona, their collective voting power could significantly influence the outcome of the election. Notable endorsements for the Harris-Walz ticket have emerged from both Democratic and Republican figures, including Utah state politicians and Mesa's Republican mayor, John Giles, who has publicly called for bipartisan support for Harris. This growing coalition may reshape the political landscape in Arizona as the election approaches.