In battleground states, Catholics are a pivotal swing vote

For decades, Roman Catholic voters have been a pivotal swing vote in US presidential elections, with a majority backing the winner—whether Republican or Democrat—nearly every time.

How they vote in the battleground states this year could well decide the outcome, and the rival campaigns are targeting them with fervent appeals to vote based on their faith.

The Trump and Biden campaigns are competing to win over people like Jeannie French of Pittsburgh, in battleground Pennsylvania, who is struggling with her decision. She’s a member of Democrats for Life and loath to vote for Biden because of his stance on abortion—but dismayed by Republicans’ positions on climate change, immigration, and economic issues.