How Mormonism plays into Utah Gov. Cox's sudden embrace of Trump
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Photo Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: Office of Gov. Spencer J. Cox
Days after saying he would not vote for former President Trump, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox "pledged" his support in a letter he sent to Trump after the shooting last weekend at a Pennsylvania rally.
Why it matters: Cox refused to vote for Trump in 2016's and 2020's presidential elections — and promised to write in a candidate this year, until Trump narrowly escaped serious injury in Saturday's shooting.
- In his letter, he projected that "millions of others will rally" behind Trump's leadership.
What he's saying: "Because of that miracle, you have the opportunity to do something that no other person on earth can do right now: unify and save our country," Cox wrote in a note Sunday on his office's letterhead.
Between the lines: Cox said he was motivated by "much prayer and searching," and his letter was laced with religious references.
- Cox is a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Catch up quick: Cox has been characterized in the national media as a rare moderate who has found success in the GOP.
- He's been called "the new face of Trump skepticism on the right" and "the red-state governor who's not afraid to be 'woke'."
Reality check: His overtures about civility and outreach have been occasionally criticized as insincere.
Context: Latter-day Saints, widely known as Mormons, showed lukewarm enthusiasm for Trump in 2016, despite being the second-most Republican faith group in the nation.
- Many said they were turned off by his irreverent and frequently lewd language and conduct, and a survey last year showed more than half had negative views of him.
- Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) has ascribed his political independence — and his vote to impeach Trump — to his Mormon faith.
Yes, but: Mormon support for Trump grew in 2020, and MAGA-aligned candidates made some inroads in Utah's congressional GOP primaries last month.
- Right-wing candidate Mike Kennedy won a crowded primary for the 3rd District; the never-Trump candidate came in last place.
- Rep. Celeste Maloy, a Trump supporter, defeated a vocal Trump critic last year in the special primary to fill the seat of retiring Rep. Chris Stewart.
- Despite her Trump endorsement in this year's primary, she held a lead of just 214 votes as of Friday over her further-right challenger Colby Jenkins, who was endorsed by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah).
What we're watching: It remains to be seen whether more church members will enthusiastically support Trump.
What's inside: "Mr. President, I know we have some differences and you probably don't like me much. And that's OK. I get it. I'm not writing this letter looking for a position in your Cabinet or a role on your team," Cox wrote in his letter.
- "But I have loved so many of your policies and firmly believe that our country has suffered over the last four years due to a lack of leadership and is in desperate need of change."