Kamala Harris Intensifies Efforts to Win Over Mormon Voters in Crucial Arizona Battleground

PHOENIX — Vice President Kamala Harris is intensifying her efforts to engage voters from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arizona, a key battleground state. Her campaign recently formed an advisory committee that aims to reach out to current and former members of the church, commonly referred to as Mormons, arguing that Donald Trump does not reflect their values.

Arizona boasts nearly 450,000 church members, making up about 6% of its population. These voters may play a pivotal role in what is projected to be a closely contested election. Historically, Latter-day Saints have leaned Republican; however, they have not wielded significant influence in national elections. In 2020, 70% of Mormon voters supported Trump, while approximately 25% backed then-candidate Joe Biden, according to AP VoteCast.

Harris’s strategy focuses on minimizing Trump’s margins with demographic groups that typically favor him. She may not secure a majority from Latter-day Saints, but gaining even a fraction of their votes could be crucial. In the 2020 election, Biden won Arizona by just 10,457 votes; similarly, Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes won by a mere 280 votes in 2022.

Supporters of Harris within the faith emphasize a moral obligation to vote for leaders aligned with the teachings of their church. Joel John, a former Republican state lawmaker and co-chair of the advisory committee, cited the U.S. Constitution as a fundamental tenet of their faith, urging voters not to support those who show disdain for it. “We certainly shouldn’t be supporting someone who tried to overthrow it on Jan. 6,” he remarked.

The Salt Lake City-based church does not officially endorse any political party or candidate. However, John pointed out that church members are encouraged to choose leaders who exemplify qualities like honesty and wisdom—traits he argues Trump lacks, despite differing views on issues such as economic policies or gun rights.

Although Trump has garnered support from many conservative voters, his relationship with Latter-day Saints remains strained. His use of coarse language and controversial remarks about women and minorities often clash with the values of humility and compassion upheld by the church. Tensions with prominent church figures like U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney have further complicated his standing among these voters.

In Arizona, Latter-day Saints play a significant role in suburban areas like metro Phoenix’s East Valley, where many voters have shifted away from Trump-backed Republicans. The city of Mesa, the state’s third-largest, boasts historical roots linked to early church pioneers in the 1800s.

Efforts to engage Latter-day Saints by Democratic candidates are not new. Hillary Clinton highlighted parallels between Trump’s anti-immigration policies and the historic persecution of Mormons during her campaign in 2016, while Biden expanded outreach in 2020, laying the groundwork for Harris’s current focus.

Despite strong conservative expectations within the community, there is potential for Harris to attract younger, more diverse church members. Brittany Romanello, an anthropologist at Arizona State University, notes that younger Latter-day Saints increasingly prioritize moral considerations over party loyalty. “Many Mormons are moving towards voting based on principles rather than just party affiliation,” she explained.