In a striking shift, several prominent Republicans are throwing their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Among the most notable are former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz. As divisions deepen within the GOP over former President Donald Trump, these veteran Republicans say they are prioritizing the nation's well-being over party loyalty. Labeling Trump as a "danger to democracy," they've joined the growing Republicans for Harris movement, backing the Democratic nominee.
Dick and Liz Cheney Publicly Back Kamala Harris
At the Texas Tribune Festival, Wyoming Republican Liz Cheney shocked the audience by endorsing Kamala Harris. Not stopping there, she revealed that her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, would also be voting for the Democrat.
"Dick Cheney will be voting for Kamala Harris," she announced to the crowd.
Shortly after, Dick Cheney released a statement confirming his endorsement:
"In our nation's 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again," Cheney stated. "As citizens, we each have a duty to put the country above partisanship to defend our Constitution. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris."
Republicans for Harris: A Growing Movement
The Republicans for Harris movement is rapidly gaining traction as influential conservative figures unite to support Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. This wave of endorsements marks a significant shift in American politics, with prominent Republicans breaking party lines to "safeguard democratic values". More than just symbolic gestures, these endorsements are part of a coordinated effort directed by the Harris campaign to mobilize Republican voters and sway them toward voting blue.
With hundreds of former Republican staffers, military officers, and key political figures rallying behind Harris, the Republicans for Harris initiative is gaining momentum two months before the election. These leaders are actively working to convince their fellow Republicans to reject Trump, most of them mentioned the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot as their breaking point with the former president.
Below are some of the most notable conservatives leading the movement.
Jimmy McCain
On Sept. 3, Jimmy McCain, son of the late Senator John McCain, told CNN he would be voting for Harris. He voiced strong opposition to Trump, citing the former president's lack of respect for the military and veterans, particularly during his visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where his grandfather and great-grandfather are buried. An Army Intelligence Officer, McCain said he would get involved in any way he could to help Harris win.
In the past Trump also called McCain's father a "loser" for being captured in war, "I like people who weren't captured," Trump said of the late senator and Army 1st Lieutenant.
Olivia Troye
Former national security advisor Olivia Troye resigned from the Trump administration due to concerns over the administration's handling of COVID-19. She endorsed Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention, saying:
"So to my fellow Republicans, you aren't voting for a Democrat. You're voting for democracy," Troye said. "You aren't betraying our party. You're standing up for our country."
Geoff Duncan
Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan publicly endorsed Kamala Harris in a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
"I'm committed to beating Donald Trump. The only vehicle left for me to do that with is the Democratic Party. If that requires me to vote for, speak for, or endorse Kamala Harris then county me in!" he posted.
I’m committed to beating Donald Trump. The only vehicle left for me to do that with is the Democratic Party. If that requires me to vote for, speak for, or endorse @KamalaHarris then count me in! 🇺🇸
— Geoff Duncan (@GeoffDuncanGA) July 24, 2024
Duncan cited the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot as the final straw, arguing that Trump's actions are incompatible with true patriotism.
Stephanie Grisham
Stephanie Grisham, former Trump press secretary, addressed the Democratic National Convention and confirmed her vote for Harris. Grisham, who worked closely with Trump, said she was appalled by his lack of empathy and called the Jan. 6 riot a turning point.
Trump has "no empathy, no morals and no fidelity to the truth." Grisham said. "I love my country more than my party."
Adam Kinzinger
Former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger, a vocal critic of Trump, endorsed Harris at the 2024 DNC. He urged fellow Republicans to put country over party, stating that Trump's actions have "suffocated the soul" of the GOP.
Barbara Comstock
Former Virginia Rep. Barbara Comstock, a Republican who served from 2015 to 2019, said she will vote for Kamala Harris, citing Trump's refusal to accept his 2020 loss and the events of Jan. 6 as reasons to "turn the page."
"After Jan. 6, after Donald Trump refused for four years to acknowledge that he lost, and his threats against democracy, I think it's important to turn the page," Comstock said in a CNN interview. "That's why I'm voting for the vice president."
Bill Weld
Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld, a staunch critic of Trump, threw his support behind Kamala Harris, stating that "democracy hangs in the balance." Weld, who served in the Reagan administration, said that Harris represents a path forward for moderates within the GOP.
"Donald Trump belongs nowhere near the White House. With democracy hanging in the balance in this election, I'm standing with Kamala Harris," Weld said in a statement.
J. Michael Luttig
Former federal judge and lifelong conservative J. Michael Luttig: “The effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election was not and is not politics...These were grave crimes against the United States of America.” pic.twitter.com/rOPiTawGOm
— Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) August 22, 2023
Appointed by President George H.W. Bush, retired federal judge J. Michael Luttig, a respected conservative, is also backing Harris. In a written statement, he explained that while his policy views differ from hers, the preservation of democracy is his top priority:
"I am indifferent to any issues other than America's Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law."
Denver Riggleman
Former GOP Congressman Denver Riggleman is putting country over party.pic.twitter.com/C7zLLaOntL
— Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) August 12, 2024
Former Congressman Denver Riggleman, a Republican who broke with Trump after the Jan. 6 riot, participated in a recent Republicans for Harris event. Riggleman compared Trump's influence over the GOP to a cult and stressed the need for "sane Republicans" to reclaim their party.
"I think the sane Republicans have to take the party back," he said. "You need two viable parties and right now we really only have one."
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