Trump could lose Utah to a candidate over half of Americans have never heard of
![Independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xGHtGG4PQwB46dWYxma8AV-415-80.jpg)
Fifty-five percent of Americans say they have never heard of Independent candidate Evan McMullin, but in Utah he sits only one point back from Donald Trump, a UtahPolicy.com survey published Friday has found.
A conservative Mormon and graduate of Brigham Young University, McMullin offers an appealing alternative to Trump for conflicted Utah voters. Trump still manages to lead in the state with 30 percent, followed by McMullin at 29 percent and Clinton at 25 percent. Interestingly, Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, finished third in Utah in his 1992 election behind George H.W. Bush and Ross Perot.
But just because McMullin is Mormon doesn't make him a lock for LDS members. While he leads 43 percent to Trump's 31 percent with "very active" LDS voters, Trump leads McMullin by 15 points among "somewhat active" Mormons. "If you want to understand why Utah has suddenly become the flavor of the month among the political cognoscenti, look no further than independent voters," UtahPolicy.com explains. "Among that group, Trump comes in third place, with McMullin grabbing 31 percent, Clinton winning 27 percent, and Trump with 20 percent."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The RealClearPolitics average for Utah between Aug. 19 and Oct. 14. shows Trump at 37 percent to Clinton's 23 percent, trailed by Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein. The UtahPolicy.com survey was conducted by Dan Jones & Associates between Oct. 12 and Oct. 18 among 818 likely Utah voters. It has a margin of error plus or minus 4 percent.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
'Democrats now have a chance to present a vigorous, compelling case'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What has Kamala Harris done as vice president?
In Depth It's not uncommon for the second-in-command to struggle to prove themselves in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
How Black organizations quickly pivoted and mobilized for Kamala Harris
In the spotlight Harris has a shot at being the first Black woman to lead the Democratic ticket
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Menendez convicted of bribery, fraud, and extortion
Speed Read The New Jersey Democratic Senator was found guilty in a federal corruption trial
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Florida judge dismisses Trump documents case
Speed Read Judge Aileen Cannon ruled that special counsel Jack Smith was improperly appointed
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
How could J.D. Vance impact the special relationship?
Today's Big Question Trump's hawkish pick for VP said UK is the first 'truly Islamist country' with a nuclear weapon
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Hamas says military chief survived Israeli strike
Speed Read An Israeli bombing failed to hit its intended target, military commander Mohammed Deif, but killed at least 90 Palestinians
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Biden, Trump urge calm after assassination attempt
Speed Reads A 20-year-old gunman grazed Trump's ear and fatally shot a rally attendee on Saturday
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
First Israeli report on Oct. 7 finds 'severe mistakes and errors' in IDF response
Speed Reads Israeli military admits failures in response to deadly Hamas attack that triggered Gaza war
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Biden saw neurologist during physicals
Speed Read Following his bad debate performance, many are asking questions about the president's brain
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Russia bombs Kyiv children's hospital
Speed Reads The daytime barrage interrupted heart surgeries and killed at least 40 people
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published