As Election Day nears, President Donald Trump’s campaign is seeing an unlikely boost from Pennsylvania’s Amish community, where resistance to government intervention is leading many to the ballot box. Typically disconnected from national politics, the Amish are increasingly concerned about government overreach, viewing Vice President Kamala Harris’ policies as incompatible with their lifestyle.
Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Congress’ first Amish-born member, told Fox News Digital that the Amish favor Trump due to his stance on small government and religious freedoms. “The Amish love President Trump…they want to be left alone,” Smucker noted, adding that these communities prioritize family, independence, and local governance over federal oversight.
Eighty thousand Amish people in Pennsylvania are voting for the first time this year.
They are voting for Trump. pic.twitter.com/a5atpXaqd3
— SULLY (@SULLY10X) October 29, 2024
In Pennsylvania, with a substantial Amish and Mennonite population of 90,000, even a slight increase in voter turnout could impact a tight race. Smucker noted that in his Lancaster County district alone, Amish voter registration increased by 1,500-2,000 in the last election, and he anticipates further growth this year.
Incidents like the federal raid on Amish farmer Amos Miller over raw milk sales have reinforced these concerns. Smucker explained that Amish voters see this as evidence of the government’s encroachment on their traditional way of life, strengthening their support for limited government candidates like Trump.
Let’s go Amish!! Let’s turn Pennsylvania red!! Let’s make President Trump #47!! pic.twitter.com/2p77Gy81ts
— 💥Hank💥 (@HankishTwitZone) October 31, 2024
Activist Scott Presler, who focuses on increasing conservative turnout, has been registering Amish voters in Pennsylvania, despite what he claims is Democratic resistance to this effort. Presler noted that Democrats “don’t want the Amish to vote,” believing that increased Amish support could benefit Trump in the state.
Trump’s support among the Amish aligns with his platform of religious liberty, community, and limited government, values that resonate with many in Pennsylvania’s Amish communities.
