The upcoming Pennsylvania election, widely anticipated to be a close race, has sparked curiosity about the potential role of the state’s traditionally private Amish community. While known for their conservative values and aversion to contemporary norms like cars and cellphones, a shift in political engagement is being observed among the Amish, particularly among younger generations.
Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa., the first Amish-born member of Congress, who represents Lancaster County, the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, has witnessed this change firsthand. “You have a minority of the Amish who are now farming and agricultural. They ran out of land in Lancaster County a long time ago. So, there’s a new generation of Amish who are business owners,” he said, highlighting the evolving economic landscape within the community. This shift, he suggests, is leading to greater political engagement.
According to a report by Elizabethtown College, Pennsylvania is home to an estimated 90,000 Amish individuals, with Ohio following closely at 84,000. Significant populations also reside in Indiana, Wisconsin, New York, and Missouri. Rep. Smucker estimates that 1,500-2,000 new voter registrants in his district are Amish, and he anticipates even greater participation in the upcoming election.
The Amish community’s traditional reluctance to vote stems from their strong emphasis on privacy. However, the historical record reveals instances where the Amish have demonstrated political activism. During the 1950s, the community actively protested against compulsory age-based education, which posed a challenge to their traditional educational practices and the return of youth to farming.
The involvement of former Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump in canvassing the Amish community has also drawn attention. Bush’s 2004 campaign visit to Smoketown, where he met with Amish leaders without photographers present out of respect for their religious customs, exemplifies the delicate balance between outreach and respecting their values. Trump, in contrast, held a boisterous 2016 rally in Manheim, drawing a diverse audience, including men clad in traditional Amish garb, who cheered his platform and critiques of Hillary Clinton.
Rep. Smucker attributes the Amish’s attraction to Trump’s platform to their shared values of limited government and religious liberty. This resonates with many conservatives beyond the Amish community. While Trump’s brash New York demeanor may seem at odds with the Amish’s humble lifestyle, Smucker contends that many Amish appreciate Trump’s commitment to these core principles.
Recent interactions between the government and Amish individuals, specifically concerning the raw milk sales of farmer Amos Miller, have also sparked political interest within the community. Miller’s case, which involved investigations and potential legal action, garnered national attention, prompting condemnation from figures like Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Donald Trump Jr.
While Smucker acknowledges that other dairy farmers have found ways to comply with regulations, the intrusion into Miller’s business was met with disapproval from the Amish community. This incident, he suggests, highlights the potential for government actions to influence Amish political participation.
The Amish community’s growing political engagement, fueled by economic changes, concerns about government intrusion, and shared values with certain political figures, suggests a potential shift in the dynamics of the upcoming Pennsylvania election. As the election approaches, it will be interesting to observe how this traditionally private community shapes the political landscape of the state.
