Dan Woodbury: Why I'm an LDS Democrat
I want to support and minister to other members of the Church who may feel isolated or judged for their political beliefs.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’ve spent most of my life in the Intermountain West. I work as an engineer, and am a husband and the busy dad of four rambunctious kids.
Why are you an LDS Democrat?
Simply put, the Democratic Party aligns with many of my core political beliefs, particularly those I consider essential to democracy.
How has your political orientation changed over time?
Like a lot of people, I grew up Republican, mainly because of my family and community. But quickly, I found I was more interested in the details of policy than party loyalty, and that there were lots of trade offs in even basic policies and ideas. I learned people can come to different conclusions in good faith based on their values and priorities.
Through college, different life experiences, and starting my own family, some of my opinions did fundamentally change. But just as importantly, I began to feel that Republican candidates no longer stood for the principles I valued—or the conservative or constitutional values they had claimed to uphold. After spending years identifying as conservative-leaning or independent, I realized I was consistently voting for Democrats—not just because I agreed more with their policies, but because individual candidates weren’t embracing the extremes I saw from their opponents.
I still vote for candidates of any party who I believe have integrity, but now I actively support Democrats and volunteer to convince others to do the same.
What political issues matter most to you, and why?
While I have opinions on a range of policies, I know no government will ever reflect all my preferences. Living in a society makes compromise necessary.
That said, the issue I care most about is protecting basic civil liberties—freedom of religion, speech, protest, and protection from arbitrary punishment or politically motivated retaliation. These freedoms are the most essential to our day to day lives, and can ruin lives and families when violated. We need a fair, independent judiciary to protect these freedoms, backed by political leaders who actually respect these freedoms and put principle above party or their own self interest. I support these essential rights for everyone, even those I disagree with. I also reject the idea that private consequences—like facing public criticism—are equal to government suppression, or merit the same level of concern.
Beyond that, I care about things that used to be broadly supported but, which this administration and Congressional Republicans suddenly reject, like:
We should help the world’s poor through international aid, pursue moral foreign policy on global conflicts while recognizing the need for self-defense, and stand up for human and civil rights wherever they're under threat.
Government should be competent and professional in executing Congressional mandates, and not subject to the whims and ideological pet positions of political appointees.
America is strengthened by immigrants, and they should be welcomed rather than demonized; we are fortunate to live in a place and a society where so many people want to come, and we are dependent in many ways on the people who have already come. We should encourage, simplify and expand legal routes to immigration.
Finally, I believe in growth and abundance, fueled by good policy and investment in science and research, and that the resulting prosperity should be shared through a robust but simple safety net.
How do your political views reflect your faith?
I take seriously the Church’s call to support good ideas wherever they come from, and not just vote along party lines. But too often I still hear people imply that being a Democrat is incompatible with being LDS. That’s not something I’d say about any political party, even as I might find individual policies or ideas wrong.
That’s why I’m open about being an LDS Democrat. I want to support and minister to other members of the Church who may feel isolated or judged for their political beliefs.
My faith also calls me to care for the poor—recognizing that while government programs aren’t perfect, they are one way we can lift others. I believe we’re all children of God, no matter where we were born, and we have a sacred duty to welcome the stranger and the refugee.
Finally, as a scientist, I see my work and good science policy as a way of appreciating God’s creation—advancing knowledge and innovation that can bless His children.
Have you had any personal experiences with the new administration’s actions?
While I was in graduate school in the D.C. area, I met many people, both church members and not, working in federal agencies—places like the DOD, DOE, USAID, USDA, and FDA. These were dedicated public servants, with a mix of political views, including conservatives. But they shared a deep commitment to carrying out the law and serving the country.
It’s frustrating to hear this administration slander them. The idea that these workers are part of some conspiracy against the country is absurd. These are your neighbors’ and ward members’ kids, siblings, and friends. They’re not villains; they’re civil servants trying to do their jobs with integrity.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A lot of Church members are uncomfortable with what’s happening politically, but still say, “Well, I’m not a Democrat.” But being a Democrat doesn’t mean agreeing with everything the party or various political figures do. No party is a monolith. Some of the most impactful people in politics are those who challenge their own side.
I disagree with plenty of Democratic politicians and policies. But identifying as a Democrat, volunteering, and voting in primaries are ways I can help shape the party—and hopefully support candidates who lead with the courage to strongly defend our core rights.