Utah House Dem hopeful mocked sexual assault, Mormons

A Democratic candidate running for the U.S. House in Utah is facing backlash after old social media posts resurfaced in which she made jokes about sexual assault and disparaged members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Controversial Social Media Posts Emerge

Darcy Van Orden, who is seeking to represent Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, has come under scrutiny following the discovery of several posts she made on X, formerly Twitter, years ago. In these posts, Van Orden appeared to make light of sexual assault and used derogatory language when referring to Mormons.

One post from 2011 read, “I just got sexually assaulted by a TSA agent. I feel so violated, but at least I got dinner first.” In another message, Van Orden used a slur to describe members of the Mormon faith, writing, “I can’t stand those [expletive] Mormons.”

Public Response and Candidate’s Reaction

The resurfaced comments have sparked criticism from both political opponents and advocacy groups. Many have called the remarks offensive and inappropriate, especially in a state where a significant portion of the population identifies as Mormon.

Van Orden addressed the controversy in a recent statement, saying, “These comments do not reflect who I am today. I apologize for any hurt my words may have caused and am committed to learning from my mistakes.” She added that her campaign remains focused on issues important to Utah voters.

Political Implications

The controversy arrives at a critical time in the campaign, as Van Orden seeks to unseat the Republican incumbent in a district that has historically leaned conservative. Political analysts suggest that the incident could impact her chances, particularly among religious voters and those concerned about issues of sexual violence.

• Utah’s 2nd Congressional District includes a large Mormon population.
• Van Orden’s campaign has emphasized healthcare, education, and economic growth.
• Her Republican opponent has not commented directly on the posts but has reiterated support for “Utah’s values.”

Looking Ahead

As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how the controversy will affect Van Orden’s campaign. While she has issued an apology, some voters and community leaders have called for further accountability.