Mark Lamb faces political friction among Latter-Day Saint voters in Arizona

Republican congressional candidate Mark Lamb faces political friction among conservative voters in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, where multiple accusations of misconduct during his tenure as Pinal County sheriff have alienated members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lamb is favored to win the general election in the conservative stronghold, but pushback from religious voters who question his personal conduct could narrow his margin against Democratic challenger Elizabeth Lee.

Accusations and Denials Surrounding the Pinal County Sheriff’s Tenure

Lamb is running for Congress with an endorsement from Donald Trump and the campaign slogan God, Family, Freedom, but his past as Pinal County sheriff has drawn heavy scrutiny. An investigative report published by The Arizona Republic alleged that Lamb engaged in multiple affairs, sent sexually explicit messages to a woman outside his marriage, and threatened to deploy law enforcement against her if she spoke publicly about the claims. Lamb has also faced accusations of making racist remarks while in office.

Lamb denied the allegations entirely, stating that the published reports were false. I’ve been called a misogynist … I’m going to tell you folks, these are lies. Every single bit of it, Lamb said.

Voter Reactions Within the LDS Community

The allegations have caused a political identity crisis for some conservative voters in the district, particularly within the sizable Latter-day Saint population. The LDS church holds chastity as a sacred value, prohibiting sexual relations outside of marriage and empowering church leaders to discipline or excommunicate members who violate these covenants. According to The Arizona Republic, local church leaders reviewed the claims regarding Lamb’s conduct.

Kimberly Tait, a Gilbert resident who left the Republican Party in 2016 due to concerns over the MAGA movement, told that Lamb’s candidacy runs counter to her religious values. Yes, Mark Lamb is a member of my faith. He also belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But from what I understand about Mark Lamb, the dishonesty that has been displayed in his public and private life is completely contrary to our faith, Tait said. She added that electing officials accused of sexual misconduct sets a troubling example for children.

Demographics and Shifts in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District

Arizona’s 5th Congressional District encompasses eastern Phoenix suburbs in Maricopa County alongside Pinal County. Arizona State University political science professor Kim Fridkin noted that the area has experienced significant population growth as out-of-state residents, many arriving from California, seek a conservative environment. The district is predominantly white, a mix of working, middle and upper middle class families, and heavily Republican; Donald Trump won the district by roughly 20 points in the last presidential election. Two of Arizona’s six LDS temples operate within the district boundaries.

While historical voting patterns show strong support for Republicans among Latter-day Saints, YouGov data indicates that LDS voters have drifted slightly less red over the past two decades. With Rep. Andy Biggs not seeking reelection to run for Arizona governor, voters must choose between Lamb and Elizabeth Lee, a nurse and political newcomer running as a Democrat.

Uncertain Outcomes in the Upcoming General Election

Although Lamb remains heavily favored in the heavily conservative district, it remains unclear whether disaffected LDS voters will stay home, write in alternative candidates, or cross party lines to vote for Lee. No public polling indicating the exact scale of voter defections among Latter-day Saints was reported, leaving open the question of whether the backlash will significantly alter the final vote count on election day.