As the group “Republicans for Harris” officially announced its launch via social media on Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris is receiving support from not only top Democratic leaders but also GOP leaders.
“Republicans for Harris will focus on activating GOP voices ‘to speak to their friends and family about the importance of voting for the Vice President,'” the campaign said, calling the group a “campaign within a campaign,” as reported by The Hill.
Grisham Speaks Out
Trump White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham issued a statement, according to the report.
“I encourage other Trump administration officials who saw the tyrant we worked for in office to speak out.”
“Stand with Kamala”
Grisham implored Republicans to “stand with Kamala Harris this November to keep integrity in the White House and ensure democracy for our country.”
Supporters include former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld (the 2016 Libertarian candidate for VP who then challenged Trump in the 2020 Republican primary).
Republican Supporters
Further support comes from former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, former Florida Rep. Adam Kinzinger, and former Virginia Rep. Denver Riggleman.
Other notable ‘Republicans for Harris’ supporters are former Illinois Rep. Joe Walsh (who likewise challenged Trump in the 2020 primary) and former Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham.
Social Media Response
Social media was used to respond to the news by political and legal experts, as well as some of the aforementioned Republicans.
Kinzinger responded to the announcement via X, writing: “There is nothing ‘conservative’ about Donald Trump. Conservatives believe in the Constitution, not a ‘man’s’ ego.”
Republican Endorsement
Kinzinger continued: “Endorsing American democracy and the future today, and leaving the past in the dust.I’m endorsing @KamalaHarris”
In response to Kinzinger’s post, Walsh added, “14yrs ago, @AdamKinzinger & I were 2 conservative Republicans elected to Congress. 14yrs later, Adam & I are 2 conservatives endorsing Kamala Harris. What happened?”
“You’re Better Than Trump”
Walsh stated: “The GOP became an authoritarian-embracing cult. Republicans, join us. You’re better than Trump. @RepsForHarris.”
Tim O’Brien, executive editor of Bloomberg Opinion, made a comment: “I don’t anticipate Democrats for Trump to be gathering on Zoom anytime soon.”
Attorney Weighs In
Joyce Vance, a MSNBC legal analyst and former US attorney, added: “This widespread endorsement of the opposition candidate from members of a presidential candidate’s own party is unprecedented.
Vance continued: “So is Trump’s utter disregard for our Constitution & rule of law.”
“Sizable Movement”
Former Washington Post editor Robert McCartney commented that: “‘Republicans for Harris’ reminds me that in 1972, ‘Democrats for Nixon’ was a sizable movement.”
“It was a sign of (regrettable) dissatisfaction with Dems’ nominee McGovern.”
Historical Precedent
McCartney continued to state: “In 2024, such dissatisfaction on GOP side is most welcome.”
McCartney looked to historical precedent as he wrote: “And we remember how it went for McGovern.”
GOP Backers
‘Republicans for Harris’ now has over 25 GOP endorsements, including former secretaries Chuck Hagel and Ray LaHood, as well as former GOP governors and lawmakers.
Olivia Troye, the former national security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence, was another who announced her support for Harris on Sunday.
“Stakes Are Too High”
Hagel, a Republican senator from Nebraska and Defense secretary, and LaHood, a Republican congressman from Illinois and Transportation secretary, both worked under former president Obama.
Troye contended that: “The stakes are too high to let partisanship jeopardize our freedoms and the Constitution.”
On Monday, the group will hold its first events in battleground states Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Arizona.
