Former President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a “Latter-Day Saints for Trump” coalition just weeks before Election Day, signifying a strategic effort to re-engage a crucial voting demographic in pivotal western battleground states. This coalition is particularly significant due to previous indications of diminishing support for Trump among Latter-day Saints (LDS) voters, a group traditionally aligned with conservative values. The coalition is spearheaded by influential Utah Republicans, including Senator Mike Lee, Representatives Celeste Maloy and Burgess Owens, along with Utah’s Attorney General Sean Reyes. Their support underscores Trump’s efforts to reinforce his appeal within this community, emphasizing his administration’s dedication to religious freedom and family values, which are central to the LDS faith.
Senator Lee articulated that Trump’s governance has provided a protective environment for Latter-day Saints and people of varying beliefs, asserting that his commitment to life and the unborn has bolstered family structures. This rhetoric aims to resonate with LDS values, particularly as the church’s stronghold in Utah has remained unwaveringly Republican since 1964. However, challenges exist, particularly in Arizona, which holds a significant LDS population that has displayed various voting behaviors. In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden managed to attract a notable portion of the LDS vote in Arizona, which underscores the potential vulnerabilities Trump’s campaign faces in swaying these voters back to the Republican side.
A key aspect of Trump’s coalition-building effort is its outreach to Arizona GOP members such as Representative Andy Biggs and Sheriff Mark Lamb, both of whom emphasize Trump’s commitment to religious freedoms and values. These endorsements are crucial, especially as the balance of power in states like Arizona has become increasingly competitive for Republicans. Trump’s upcoming roundtable discussion with LDS leaders further illustrates his intention to actively engage with the community and address their concerns. However, it is important to note that some members of the LDS community have grown disillusioned with Trump due to his divisive political style and controversial positions on immigration, which conflict with the values espoused by the church.
The Democratic campaign, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, is capitalizing on the rifts within the LDS community to build its coalition among Latter-day Saints. Harris’s campaign has established its own “Latter Day Saints for Harris-Walz” initiative, aiming to present alternatives to Trump’s rhetoric through a more moderate and character-driven approach. This initiative, alongside the recent formation of an additional LDS coalition in Nevada, indicates the Democratic Party’s strategic focus on courting LDS voters, who have exhibited wavering support for traditional Republican candidates in recent elections.
Participation in the new Trump coalition has also attracted various high-profile endorsements, including retired Air Force General Robert Oaks, conservative commentator Glenn Beck, and personalities like the Diesel Brothers, who collectively reflect the diversity within the coalition. Their involvement adds depth to the GOP’s outreach efforts and signals a united front aiming to rally the LDS community around Trump. Moreover, insiders indicate that Donald Trump Jr. is playing a pivotal role in fostering relationships within the Mormon community, suggesting a more nuanced understanding and strategic approach to engagement by the Trump campaign.
As the race approaches its climax, Trump’s coalition efforts are becoming increasingly critical given the potential for defection among LDS voters. While the coalition’s formation indicates a robust attempt to reclaim lost ground within a community historically aligned with Republican ideals, it also reflects the mounting tensions that the GOP faces in appealing to modern voters who may not align completely with traditional platforms. Whether this coalition will succeed in galvanizing LDS voters back to Trump remains to be seen, as both parties strategically navigate the evolving electoral landscape leading to the November elections.