Latter-day Saints women in a deep-red Arizona district say they can't back the GOP nominee

Kimberly Tait had been a registered Republican all her life until 2016. The Gilbert, Ariz., resident still calls herself moderate and conservative, but she could not align with the party under President Trump. "The MAGA movement in and of itself is — it's just really gross to me," she said.

This fall, another name on her ballot troubles her: Mark Lamb, the former Pinal County sheriff and Republican nominee in Arizona's 5th Congressional District.

A conservative stronghold

The district covers the fast-growing eastern suburbs of the Phoenix area in Maricopa County, along with part of Pinal County. Trump carried it by roughly 20 points. Arizona State University political scientist Kim Fridkin, who lives there, describes it as a mix of working-, middle- and upper-middle-class families, mostly white and fairly religious, with a sizable Latter-day Saints population. Two of Arizona's six LDS temples sit within its borders.

With Rep. Andy Biggs running for governor, the open seat pits Lamb, who is endorsed by Trump, against Democrat Elizabeth Lee, a nurse and first-time candidate. Lamb is favored.

Allegations and denials

Lamb has faced accusations of racist remarks and sexual misconduct during his time as sheriff. An Arizona Republic investigation alleged he had multiple affairs and sent sexually explicit messages to a woman, then threatened to send law enforcement after her if she spoke publicly. The paper reported that church leaders looked into the claims.

Lamb, who did not respond to NPR's interview request, denied the allegations at a conservative club event in June. "I've been called a racist. I've been called a misogynist … these are lies. Every single bit of it," he said.

Faith and character

Tait, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints like Lamb, said his "God, Family, Freedom" slogan rings hollow to her. "The dishonesty that has been displayed in his public and private life is completely contrary to our faith," she said.

Holly Andersen, another LDS voter, admired John McCain and Mitt Romney and says she votes on character, not party. She cited a verse important in her faith: "In the mouth of two or three witnesses, shall every word be established." "There's been multiple women who have come forth," she said.

Suzanne Lunt, a former Republican who left the party after Jan. 6, 2021, said church leaders teach members to look for people "who have character and who can represent us well."

A broader shift

Latter-day Saints have historically voted Republican, but Trump has faced some of his stiffest red-state resistance in heavily LDS Utah. In purple Arizona, many LDS voters now look more independent. All three women expect Lamb to win, but they say more of their neighbors are souring on partisan politics, a trend both parties are watching in close statewide races.