In Arizona, a gathering of women from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared their perspectives with NPR on March 18, as captured by Keren Carrión/NPR. Annie Lewis, a long-time member of the Church, a mother of six, and an educator, initiated displaying a “Republicans for Biden” sign in her front yard before the 2020 elections, driven by a desire for civility. Disillusioned by what she perceived as a lack of genuine leadership from then-President Trump, Lewis expressed discomfort whenever her children were exposed to his televised appearances. This sentiment resonated with other Republican residents of Maricopa County in 2020, who united under the keyphrase “mormon women arizona” to voice their shared concerns.
Former Senator Jeff Flake teams up with Arizona Republicans to oppose Trump. Dan Barker, a prominent figure in the Maricopa County LDS community and a former GOP-appointed judge, crafted signs to show his support for Biden while maintaining his Republican roots. His wife, Nan, played a pivotal role in encouraging him to display the sign. Barker, who initiated the Arizona Republicans Who Believe in Treating Others with Respect political action committee in 2020, expressed his discomfort aligning with the Democratic Party, opting instead to advocate for “Republicans for Biden.”
Retired judge Dan Barker, the founder of “Arizona Republicans Who Believe In Treating Others With Respect,” proudly showcases a sign endorsing Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden during rush hour in Phoenix in October 2020. The image captures Barker’s commitment to his beliefs, emphasizing the importance of respect in political discourse.
**Retired Judge Encourages Respectful Voting in Arizona**
**Dan Barker, a former judge, founded the “Arizona Republicans Who Believe In Treating Others With Respect” group. He was seen displaying a sign endorsing Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in Phoenix during the rush hour in October 2020.**
**Barker distributed numerous signs, placing them at busy intersections and on lawns. Despite facing instances of vandalism and sparking debates on local social media platforms, Biden clinched victory in Arizona by a slim margin of over 10,000 votes, successfully flipping Maricopa County, which holds the highest number of voters in the state. Barker attributes part of this success to his advocacy efforts.**
**”Our primary goal was to show that it’s possible to be a conservative and still support Biden, especially for those who found Trump’s policies unacceptable,” Barker explained. “Biden offered an alternative that resonated with many voters, even if they didn’t agree with all his stances.”**
**Now, with Trump leading the GOP once again, Barker aims to revitalize his political action committee’s initiatives.**
**In Arizona, members of the LDS church represent slightly over 5% of the population. Despite this relatively small percentage, every vote counts in the state, creating opportunities for various voting blocs to influence outcomes. The Trump campaign faced challenges in attracting consistently Republican LDS voters nationally in both 2016 and 2020, with a particular focus on engaging Mormon women in Arizona.**
The Impact of Mormon Women in Arizona Politics
Günes Murat Tezcür, the director of the School of Politics and Global Studies at Arizona State University, highlighted the historical trend of LDS members as steadfast Republican voters. However, recent shifts within the GOP during the Trump administration have caused some uncertainty among this demographic.
Tezcür pointed out that a notable segment of Mormon women in urban and educated communities, particularly in Maricopa County, have started to question their traditional political allegiances. This evolving mindset adds an intriguing dynamic to Arizona’s political landscape, potentially influencing election outcomes, especially in presidential races.
Adding to this perspective, Stan Barnes, a political consultant based in Phoenix, acknowledges the significant impact of Republican voters, including Mormon women, who have begun to stray from supporting their party’s candidates. This shift has notably contributed to recent victories for Democratic candidates in both presidential and gubernatorial elections.
Meet Jon Ryder, Executive Director of Maricopa County Democrats
Jon Ryder leads the Maricopa County Democrats in Phoenix, as the executive director.
Keren Carrión/NPR
Jon Ryder holds the position of executive director for the Maricopa County Democrats in Phoenix.
“Many Arizona residents, typically Republican voters, are uncertain due to Donald Trump’s behavior,” Barnes expressed. “They struggle to support a candidate they perceive as deeply flawed.”
The Trump campaign and Arizona GOP have not addressed inquiries regarding their approach to LDS voters and handling criticism.
Recognizing the potential shift in voter allegiance, Jon Ryder, the executive director of Maricopa County Democrats, aims to engage with these undecided voters.
“Our strategy involves mobilizing our Democratic base, influencing independent voters, and appealing to the persuadable segment,” Ryder emphasized.
Mormon Women in Arizona Discuss Religion and Politics
Tezcür highlighted that specific aspects of the LDS faith, such as engaging in missions and the historical persecution of the religious minority, may lead some Mormon women in Arizona to embrace progressive perspectives on immigration and diversity, while maintaining conservative views on economic policies, government regulations, and social issues.
In a sunlit setting in Gilbert, six women, including Lewis, convened in a spacious living room at Andersen’s residence to share their insights on religion and politics, emphasizing their active roles in the community.
Annie Lewis, a mother of six and a teacher, displayed “Republican for Biden” signs in her yard during the 2020 election. According to Jane Andersen from Mormon Women for Ethical Government, active citizens, both pro and anti-Trump, are likely to participate. Andersen believes that women, in particular, have a strong motivation to engage in civic matters. Many individuals, such as those running for local offices or volunteering at polling stations, expressed how their faith and activities aim to inspire their children. Their involvement in schools and communities is centered around the keyphrase “Mormon Women Arizona.”
Arizona’s Mormon Women and Political Affiliations
Every woman interviewed by NPR from the LDS church in Arizona had a history as registered Republicans. Julie Spilsbury, a Mesa council member, attributed her Republican affiliation to her upbringing and voted for Haley in the recent election.
Despite Arizona’s closed primary excluding independents, Haley, known for attracting independent voters, surprisingly secured close to 20% of the vote.
Spilsbury expressed feeling “politically homeless,” questioning where non-MAGA or Trump Republicans like her belong within the party.
In Maricopa County, Arizona, Mormon women are part of a unique community with a significant number of church congregations and temples. Unlike other religions, members do not have the freedom to choose their congregation; instead, it is determined geographically, similar to school districts. This setup aims to foster tolerance for differences, including political views, within the LDS community. However, the intended goal of promoting tolerance does not always unfold as planned.
Julie Spilsbury: A Councilmember in Mesa
Julie Spilsbury, a councilmember in Mesa, shared the challenges she faces due to political differences. She expressed how some families in her ward refuse to communicate with her and her husband, despite their shared history and experiences.
Suzanne Lunt from Gilbert, who supported Haley and later voted against Trump, made a significant decision after the January 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection. She decided to leave the Republican Party, becoming an independent due to her dissatisfaction with the party’s response to the events.
Abortion is highlighted as a crucial issue that influences party loyalty, especially among Mormon women in Arizona.
Personal Transformation in Politics
After years of staunchly identifying as a Republican, Suzanne Lunt, a resident of Gilbert, Arizona, underwent a political shift following the events of January 6. She now proudly stands as an independent.
During a recent church sermon, Lunt experienced a pivotal moment that liberated her from the constraints of partisan allegiance. Reflecting on this, she shared, “One of our leaders emphasized the importance of considering the entirety of a person, their morality, and values. This message resonated with me, granting me the freedom to prioritize what truly matters.”
The political landscape in Arizona has witnessed escalating divisions among Republicans, fueled by the inflammatory rhetoric of candidates at all levels of government. Andersen highlighted the impact of such discourse, particularly recalling a significant moment involving a gubernatorial candidate.
Kari Lake, a former gubernatorial candidate and current Senate candidate, advised Republicans associated with the late Sen. John McCain to leave the party, a statement she later retracted. Jane Andersen, expressing her defiance towards authority, decided to remain a registered Republican, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in growing the party. Andersen, who has never endorsed Trump, was deeply troubled when Trump mocked a journalist with disabilities at a rally in 2016, a moment that resonated with her as a mother of a child with a disability.
In Gilbert, Arizona, Jane Andersen is pictured at her residence, reflecting on her stance on political matters. The image credit goes to Keren Carrión from NPR.
While some mormon women in Arizona may have reservations about their GOP candidates, many are still inclined to back the party’s choices. This is especially true when comparing the imperfections of Donald Trump to the less-than-ideal Biden record, as noted by Barnes, a consultant based in Phoenix.
On presidential preference election day in Maricopa County’s Mesa, Arizona, a “vote here” sign is displayed at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as captured by Keren Carrión for NPR. Reita Juarez, a Maricopa County LDS voter, voted for Trump in the past and intends to do so again, although he wasn’t her initial choice. Formerly an independent voter, she switched to the Republican Party for the presidential preference election and supported businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. Leading up to the general election, she contemplated voting for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. before ultimately deciding to support Trump once more. Juarez expressed her lack of trust in the government, regardless of political party affiliation, stating her dissatisfaction with the Republican Party. Despite her reservations about Trump’s conduct, she finds herself in agreement with his conservative views on immigration.
### Feeling Ostracized for Political Choices within the LDS Community
Cheeri Farnsworth, a lifelong Republican voter, expresses her loyalty to Trump despite feeling isolated for her political stance within the LDS community. Farnsworth justifies her support for Trump by acknowledging the limited options available and the need to balance various considerations.
“We all face the challenge of justifying our decisions. Whether it’s defending Trump’s controversial statements or policies, we are constrained by the choices presented to us,” explains Farnsworth. She emphasizes the importance of weighing different factors when making political choices.
In Mesa, Arizona, individuals participate in the presidential preference election day at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The community’s diverse political views are evident as members exercise their right to vote.
Despite potential backlash, Farnsworth remains steadfast in her support for Trump. She has even organized private gatherings to discuss political matters with like-minded individuals. This dedication showcases her commitment to her beliefs as a Republican voter.
By navigating the complexities of political discourse within the LDS community, Farnsworth and others like her demonstrate the importance of standing by their convictions, even in the face of opposition.
Support for Republican Senate Candidate Lake Among Mormon Women in Arizona
According to Farnsworth, the decision to support the Republican Senate candidate Lake is rooted in shared family values and religious beliefs, aligning with what she perceives as crucial for the country at present. Border security stands out as a key concern for her, emphasizing the freedom to choose one’s beliefs and voting preferences. Farnsworth acknowledges that while she supports Trump, she also has friends who are voting for Biden.
Despite their allegiance to the current president, these women urge Biden to engage more actively with voters. They observe a lack of outreach efforts from the Biden camp but see potential, particularly among younger members of the LDS community.
Spilsbury highlights the political influence wielded by Mormon women in Arizona, specifically within the “Maricopa County, East Valley Mormon moms” group. She emphasizes the pivotal role of mothers in society, underscoring their collective power and the impact of their voices. Spilsbury, a mother of six, stresses the significance of the values instilled in children and the importance of maternal influence in shaping future generations.
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