Republican Rep. Liz Cheney on Thursday endorsed incumbent Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D) in the race to represent the state's 7th District, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Why it matters: It's the Wyoming representative's first formal endorsement of a Democrat, though she has expressed some support for Democratic candidates who are facing Republicans that deny the results of the 2020 election.
Driving the news: "I'm proud to endorse [her]," Cheney, an outspoken critic of former President Trump, said in a statement first released to the Free Press.
- "I have come to know Elissa as a good and honorable public servant who works hard for the people she represents, wants what's best for the country, and is in this for the right reasons."
- "While Elissa and I have our policy disagreements, at a time when our nation is facing threats at home and abroad, we need serious, responsible, substantive members like Elissa in Congress," Cheney said.
The big picture: Slotkin is vying for re-election against state Sen. Tom Barrett (R) to represent Michigan's 7th District, which is considered a toss-up, AP reports.
- The race for the 7th District, which includes congressional lines drawn last year, could be pivotal in determining which party controls the House of Representatives.
The other side: "Now, establishment warhawks like Liz Cheney and Elissa Slotkin are standing together because I oppose their senseless thirst for more foreign entanglements," Barrett said in a statement.
- "Rep. Slotkin has already said she would commit U.S. soldiers to combat with China so it's no surprise the Cheney family would join her. Slotkin can keep Cheney while I work to keep America out of war."
What to watch: Cheney is expected to join Slotkin for an event in the Lansing area on Tuesday, the Free Press reports.
Go deeper... Liz Cheney says 2 Arizona GOP candidates are a threat to democracy
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from state Sen. Tom Barrett.
