Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump is making a strategic play to win over Latter-day Saints—or Mormons, as they are commonly known—in the crucial swing states of Arizona and Nevada. Historically a reliable GOP voting bloc, Mormons have been swayed by the siren song of the Democratic Party in recent years, thanks in large part to orchestrated appeals like Vice President Harris’s recent initiative, “Latter-day Saints for Harris-Walz.” With a goal of stealing this crucial demographic away from the Republican Party, Harris’s campaign is a blatant attempt to capitalize on this wavering loyalty.
In response to this challenge, Trump has rolled up his sleeves and started hosting prominent Mormon influencers and political figures at his Mar-a-Lago estate. This impressive gathering was not just for small talk over snacks; the primary objective was clear—to strategize ways to unify and energize the LDS vote. High-profile attendees included reality TV celebrities from the Diesel Brothers and Marlon Bateman, a former government official, who has been given the daunting task of spearheading a “Latter-day Saints for Trump” fundraising event. Indeed, the Trump campaign recognizes the importance of getting this message out loud and clear.
Guy who compared The Former President to a character revered by Mormons to garner their voting supportin Arizona in 2020 is big mad today ¯_(ツ)_/¯ pic.twitter.com/hgvldfwPps
— ⛈ 🤿 🥔 shon. 🏕️🧑🏻💻⛈ (@inkedtater) September 22, 2024
There are whispers of a potential rally specifically designed to attract Mormon voters in Arizona, featuring various popular Mormon influencers. This hands-on approach signals that Trump isn’t merely looking to take Utah’s 440,000 Mormons for granted; he’s focusing on securing votes in neighboring Arizona and Nevada, where he’s drawing neck-and-neck with Harris. This could turn into a real battle as the stakes become higher in these pivotal states—nothing like a little competition to stir up enthusiasm among voters.
While Trump has managed to charm nearly every Mormon congressman, the notable exception remains Senator Mitt Romney, who has long been a thorn in Trump’s side. Surprisingly, even some of Trump’s fiercest critics within the community, like Senator Mike Lee, have danced a political jig to his tune, becoming ardent supporters. Interestingly, that doesn’t seem to faze Romney, who’s too busy clinging to his never-Trump stance as if it were a lifebuoy in a sea of political change.
Mormons are traditionally more diverse in their opinions than other staunch conservative voter blocs. A recent survey revealed that two-thirds of Mormons support encouraging diversity—a viewpoint that sharply contrasts with the largely homogenous attitudes of white Evangelicals, who seem to advocate caution regarding “too much diversity.” In previous elections, Mormons have been critical of Trump’s character, and while he did underperform within this group back in 2016, there’s a sense of urgency now, especially as younger Mormons seem prone to liberal ideologies. Trump’s challenge, therefore, isn’t merely about winning hearts and minds; it’s about converting an audience that’s poised to shift if the right moves aren’t made.
