Arizona’s 5th District House Race: LDS Voters Question Republican Nominee Amid Scandal Allegations

The open seat in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District—covering the eastern Phoenix suburbs and Pinal County—will be decided between Republican former Pinal County sheriff Mark Lamb and Democrat Elizabeth Lee, a nurse and political newcomer. The district, rated “Solidly Republican” by the Cook Political Report, voted for Donald Trump by roughly 20 points in 2020. Lamb, endorsed by Trump, faces accusations of racist remarks and sexual misconduct while serving as sheriff, reported by the *Arizona Republic*.

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LDS voters, traditionally a reliable Republican bloc, are uneasy. Kimberly Tait, a lifelong Republican turned independent, says Lamb’s alleged dishonesty conflicts with LDS teachings on chastity and character. Holly Anderson emphasizes personal values over party affiliation, calling support for Lamb “hypocritical.” Suzanne Lunt, also independent and formerly Republican, describes Lamb as “untrustworthy.” Several LDS voters note a broader shift away from overt MAGA identification and a growing reluctance to align with hard-line stances.

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Lee campaigns as “Nurse Lee,” highlighting her infertility-nursing background. She argues that Lamb lacks concrete policy proposals and that his alleged personal flaws mirror national frustrations. Political science professor Kim Fridkin notes that high gas and housing costs, a water crisis, and low Trump approval—39 % in a recent poll—could motivate independents to consider a Democratic alternative. An internal poll commissioned by Lee’s campaign (Change Research) shows her trailing Lamb by three to five points, with independents identified as pivotal.

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• Republican advantage: Trump’s 2020 margin ? 20 points.

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• Registered independents: ~195,000, the second-largest group in any Arizona district.

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• Cook Political Report rating: “Solidly Republican.”

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• Recent poll: 39 % of Arizona voters approve of Trump’s job performance.

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• Change Research internal poll: Lee trails Lamb by 3–5 points.

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Mark Lamb declined NPR’s interview request but addressed the allegations at the Encores Conservative Club, calling the accusations “lies” and denying any racist or misogynistic behavior. The *Arizona Republic* investigation alleges multiple affairs and sexually explicit messages sent to a woman outside Lamb’s marriage, with claims that church leaders examined the matter.

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• “I'm not super progressive politically and I'm really pretty moderate.” — Kimberly Tait

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• “I vote according to my personal values, and I believe that a leader should have character. I do not align with either one of the parties,” — Holly Anderson

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• “I think we need to find people, and we're taught by our church leaders that we need to look at people who have character and who can represent us well,” — Suzanne Lunt

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