Grassroots Catholic Activism in Mt. Lebanon Ahead of 2024 Elections

Catholic Activism in Mt. Lebanon: A Grassroots Effort

On a recent Friday evening, a vibrant group of three dozen Catholics gathered in the cozy living room of Colleen Oxenreiter in Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh. Known affectionately as “Lebo,” this area boasts a strong Catholic presence, and Colleen’s home was hard to miss, featuring a large Trump sign prominently displayed in her yard alongside her autumn pumpkins.

Colleen passionately explained the group’s mission: they aimed to engage and mobilize Catholic Republicans who did not participate in the 2020 elections. Through a campaign that included sending postcards and video text messages, they hoped to inspire these individuals to cast their votes in the upcoming election. Colleen believed that their efforts could potentially tip the scales in favor of the Republicans in this pivotal battleground state, ultimately influencing the outcome for the White House.

The group was further energized by the presence of JD Vance, the 40-year-old Republican nominee for vice president. Colleen shared an anecdote of a friend who expressed concerns about former President Donald Trump’s age. In response, she confidently remarked, ā€œWell, thatā€™s why he picked Vance! Another eight years!ā€

As Election Day approaches, the role of white Catholic voters becomes increasingly significant for the GOP in Pennsylvania, a state known for its razor-thin margins in elections. Traditionally, white Catholics have been a reliable voting bloc for Republicans. However, in the 2020 election, Joe Bidenā€”who was born in Pennsylvania and is also a Catholicā€”managed to connect with these voters, narrowing the partisan divide enough to secure victory in the state.

Looking ahead to 2024, JD Vance stands out as the sole Catholic candidate on either ticket. A recent convert to Catholicism, he embodies a blend of economic populism and staunch social conservatism. His political stance resonates deeply with many voters in this community, who express growing concerns about pressing issues such as education, transgender rights, the economy, and, notably, abortion.

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