Nevada’s Mormon Voters Shape Elections with High Turnout

Nevada’s Mormon community, formally known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), comprises approximately 6% of the state’s population, with about 183K members. Nevada ranks fourth in the U.S. for its LDS population percentage trailing only Utah (60%), Idaho (25%), and Wyoming (12%). Renowned for high voter registration and turnout rates between 80-90%, the LDS community significantly influences the state’s political landscape and plays a pivotal role in elections.

Nevada’s largest Mormon community, centered in Clark County, is home to the iconic Las Vegas Nevada Temple. This influential group helps shape state politics, often opposing policies that clash with the LDS doctrinal principles. Community efforts, such as welfare programs and interfaith initiatives, further demonstrate their commitment to service, education, and civic engagement. Historically, Nevada’s Mormons have leaned Republican, with a Pew Research Center survey showing 75% of LDS members nationwide identifying with the GOP, drawn to its emphasis on family values and fiscal conservatism. In both 2020 and 2024, President Trump (R) won approximately 65% of the Mormon vote in Nevada.

The Mormon vote has historically been a pivotal force in Nevada elections. In the 1986 U.S. Senate election, Mormon voters were instrumental in securing a narrow victory for Senator Harry Reid (D), a Mormon himself. Reid’s win by less than 5K votes helped Democrats retain control of the Senate in a crucial midterm cycle.

Similarly, in the 2006 congressional primary for Nevada’s 2nd District, Mormon Dean Heller (R) narrowly defeated Sharron Angle by just 421 votes. Mormon voters in northern rural counties provided the decisive margin, enabling Heller’s general election win and launching his congressional career, which culminated in a 2012 Senate reelection in a Democratic-leaning state.

In 2010, Mark Hutchison (R), a prominent Las Vegas Mormon, won the Republican primary for lieutenant governor, edging out competitors by just a few thousand votes. Strong support from the LDS community, particularly in rural counties, propelled him to a general election victory, strengthening Republican control of Nevada’s executive branch under Governor Brian Sandoval (R).

In the 2012 Republican presidential caucuses, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R) dominated with 88% support from the roughly 25% of caucus-goers who were Mormon. This strong backing, secured his landslide victory in Nevada, outpacing rivals like Newt Gingrich (R) and securing his path to the GOP nomination.

These examples highlight the Mormon electorate’s outsized influence in Nevada, driven by high engagement and strategic voting in key races.

The LDS Church, with its 43 stakes (dioceses) holds significant political sway throughout Nevada, driven by deep-rooted community networks. The Las Vegas Nevada Central and Henderson stakes, representing over 100K members, anchor urban influence, mobilizing voters in pivotal elections. Rural stakes in Elko and Carson Valley, tracing back to 19th-century settlements like Mormon Station (1851), consistently bolster Republican victories in conservative strongholds. This enduring influence, strengthened by historical figures such as former Governor Jim Gibbons (R) and business leader E. Parry Thomas, who shaped Nevada’s economic and political landscape, underscores the LDS community’s integral role in Nevada’s electoral fabric.

The Mormon community also holds influence in the Nevada State Legislature. For over a century, LDS members have held key legislative positions, shaping policies on family values, education funding, gaming regulations, and land use, driven by a faith-based commitment to civic engagement. Notable current legislators include State Senator Ira Hansen (R), a Republican who shaped GOP caucus strategies and tax policy debates, and Assemblymembers Alexis Hansen (R) and Melissa Hardy (R), all steadfast Republican voices in the legislature.

The Mormon community’s influence in Nevada’s political landscape remains a formidable force, blending high voter engagement, strategic mobilization, and a legacy of shaping key elections and policies. From securing key victories for figures like Senator Harry Reid (D), Senator Dean Heller (R), Governor Jim Gibbons (R), and Lieutenant Governor Mark Hutchison (R), to spearheading grassroots efforts on issues such as gambling and education, the LDS Church’s cohesive networks and commitment to civic duty amplify its impact. As Nevada’s political dynamics shift, with some Mormons in swing counties trending Democratic, the community’s ability to balance its conservative roots with evolving priorities ensures its enduring role in shaping the Silver State’s electoral future.