Latter-day Saint socialist candidates were common in Utah and Idaho in the early 20th century, and socialist-identifying members remain present in the global church today, according to a Salt Lake Tribune commentary examining the history and current reality of left-wing politics among Mormons. The essay traces how LDS socialism moved from an accepted political position in the 1910s and 1920s—when multiple socialist Latter-day Saints held local office—to a marginalized stance after mid-century anti-communist rhetoric from church leaders.

The piece argues that the contemporary global church includes many members in countries where socialist or social-democratic parties are mainstream, and that American members' assumption of a monolithic conservative LDS politics reflects U.S.-centric bias. The commentary notes that church leaders have not endorsed partisan positions in recent decades, even as individual members across the spectrum claim religious justification for their politics.