With the 2024 U.S. election season heating up, candidates are scrambling to win over voters and solidify support across various demographics. Among these battleground states, Arizona and Nevada are gaining attention due to their significant populations of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, who have historically leaned Republican but are now facing the political maneuvering of both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, as they hit the campaign trail.
On September 20, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris made waves at a campaign event in Atlanta, which highlighted the balancing act she and other Democratic leaders must perform as they attempt to woo diverse groups, including Palestinian and Arab American voters. Over 100 community leaders and progressive Democrats within Arizona have voiced their support for Harris, urging constituents to vote for her as the best option, albeit not perfect, to challenge the agenda of Donald Trump. They argue this election isn’t merely about who to support but rather about preventing the return of Trump, whom they view as harmful to both their communities and international human rights.
The urgent message from this coalition describes Harris as the “best possible option” not only for ensuring checks on Trump but also for advancing progress on Palestinian issues, which remain sensitive and contentious within Democratic circles. A statement from this group highlighted the stark choice before them: allowing Trump's resurgence would create dire consequences for marginalized communities, particularly Palestinians, amplifying their suffering amid protracted violence and setbacks. They refrained from nominating third-party candidates, warning, "a vote for them could make Trump president," emphasizing the necessity of strategic voting.
There’s urgency to the sentiments expressed by community leaders, as they lament the brutal realities back home, where the death toll among Palestinians has escalated alarmingly. The statement pointedly addressed Harris's prior actions and associations, explaining, “With over 42,000 Palestinians killed by Israel using American-supplied weapons and no end in sight, we approach the presidential election heartbroken and outraged.” While the coalition acknowledges dissatisfaction with Harris's ties to current policies, they still perceive the risk of Trump as greater.
Harris, likewise, is ramping up her outreach efforts at various community events, including her strategic engagement with Latter-day Saint voters—another demographic with whom she poses for selfies and shares personal narratives. A recent poll suggests President Trump is making ground, with only minor margins separating him from Harris, indicating the level of volatility and unpredictability within the race.
The Republican party's stronghold on the Latter-day Saint community, historically assured, is being tested more than ever like it was during the last two elections. Many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, traditionally conservative, are reassessing their loyalties amid the complicated whirlwind of Christian nationalism and Trump's polarizing influence. Polling data from 2024 indicates approximately 40% of Latter-day Saints show varying degrees of sympathy toward Christian nationalist ideas, marking one of the highest levels among American faith groups.
This blend of faith and politics has stirred apprehensions within the community, as some 2024 supporters express disappointment with the prospect of Trump’s potential return to power. Historical tensions between the church and the broader American society feed this skepticism, leading members to be cautious of any extremes—Christian nationalism, especially, feels like shifting onto precarious ground. Such sentiments are echoed by political analysts who see current narratives crystallizing alongside the dynamics around Christian values being so closely tied to national identity.
For many, identifying as both religious and American should not equate to endorsing nationalist ideologies. Opinion is divided, with questions raised about whether aligning with Trump’s candidacy aligns with their spirituality. Consequently, Donald Trump’s relationship with the Latter-day Saints will be heavily defined by outreach efforts intended to patch cracks within their traditional party loyalty, particularly as younger members exhibit progressive values more aligned with diversity, inclusivity, and accountability.
The risks leading up to Election Day are palpable. The geopolitical events, the fallout of social injustices, and individual leaders' policy decisions all intertwine, shaping voters' perceptions and impacting actions at the polls. Amidst this backdrop, Arizona and Nevada emerge not merely as states holding elections but as pivotal arenas for the showdowns of competing ideologies and affiliations. With both candidates articulately woven between hopes for responsive leadership and the specters of tragic consequence, the fight for votes promises to be fierce.
