Vice President Kamala Harris is intensifying her efforts to appeal to voters who belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arizona. With nearly 450,000 church members in the state, comprising about 6% of the population, this demographic group could play a crucial role in the upcoming elections.
Historically, Latter-day Saints have leaned towards the Republican Party, but Harris aims to sway some of them towards the Democratic ticket. While she may not secure a majority of their votes, even a small share could make a significant impact in a state known for close races.
One of the key strategies of Harris' campaign is to prevent former President Donald Trump from garnering overwhelming support from groups that traditionally favor him. Harris and her team are emphasizing the importance of upholding the U.S. Constitution, a principle deeply rooted in the Latter-day Saints' faith.
Members of the Church are being urged to consider moral values and character traits when casting their votes. Some Latter-day Saints have expressed concerns about Trump's behavior, citing his use of offensive language and disrespectful rhetoric towards certain groups.
In Arizona, where the Latter-day Saints community is concentrated in areas like metro Phoenix's East Valley and rural regions, their influence on the political landscape is notable. The state has witnessed a shift towards more competitive elections, with some traditionally Republican areas showing signs of becoming battlegrounds.
Efforts to attract Latter-day Saints voters to the Democratic side are not new, with previous candidates like Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden also making appeals to this demographic. Harris' campaign is particularly targeting younger members of the faith, who are seen as more open to diverse perspectives and moral considerations in their voting decisions.
As the election season unfolds, the outreach to Latter-day Saints in Arizona is poised to be a significant factor in shaping the political dynamics of the state and potentially influencing the outcome of the race.
