Great Lakes Wire

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former Democratic presidential candidate, recently endorsed Donald Trump, a move that may impact Catholic voters across the country, including in Michigan.

He has been open about his deep connection to his Catholic faith, which he discussed in a recent interview with EWTN. He spoke of growing up in a family where Catholicism played a central role. 

"We said the rosary at least once a day, oftentimes three times a day," said Kennedy, emphasizing how faith guided him through his struggles with addiction and shaped his worldview.

He has credited his faith with helping him recover from addiction and grounding him in his political and personal life.

This may resonate with Michigan's Catholic community, which comprises an estimated 20-25% of the state's population. This suggests that around 1.4 million to 1.88 million eligible Catholic voters could be swayed by his endorsement.

Kennedy’s political platform addresses several key issues for Catholic voters. He has proposed measures aimed at reducing the number of abortions, such as providing subsidized daycare for mothers to alleviate financial concerns. 

Additionally, Kennedy opposes recent changes to Title IX regulations that permit biological males to compete in women’s sports, aligning with more traditional Catholic teachings on gender. 

He expressed concern about the fairness of allowing males to participate in women’s sports, stating, "I think we all need to respect people who have sexual differences and protect them, but I don’t believe that people who were born men ought to be able to compete in consequential sports.”

This position will resonate with Catholics in Michigan, who often prioritize traditional values in their political decisions.

Michigan, a crucial swing state in national elections, could see a shift in voter behavior due to Kennedy’s endorsement. His Catholic background and policy positions might motivate Catholic voters who are undecided or seeking candidates that reflect a nuanced approach to complex social issues.