A significant group of more than 200 Republicans who previously served under former President George W. Bush, the late Senator John McCain, and Senator Mitt Romney have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. The endorsement, detailed in an open letter obtained exclusively by USA TODAY, marks a notable shift, as these former Republican staffers rally behind Harris, citing concerns over the prospect of another term for former President Donald Trump.
A Unified Stand Against Trump
The open letter represents the latest move by Republicans disillusioned with Trump, echoing a similar action taken during the 2020 election when about 150 former staffers of Bush, McCain, and Romney backed President Joe Biden. The letter criticizes Trump’s leadership and policy directions, particularly the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” which the Trump campaign has distanced itself from. The signatories argue that another Trump presidency would undermine democratic institutions and embolden authoritarian regimes abroad.
Among the notable figures endorsing Harris are:
-Mark Salter and Chris Koch, former chiefs of staff to McCainJoe Donoghue, McCain’s former legislative director
-Jean Becker, longtime chief of staff for George H.W. Bush
-David Nierenberg, Romney’s 2012 campaign finance chair
-Olivia Troye, a former advisor to both George W. Bush and Vice President Mike Pence
A Call to Action for Moderate Republicans
The letter calls on moderate Republicans and independents to “put country far before party,” urging them to support Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, in the upcoming election. It emphasizes the importance of a leadership style that contrasts with Trump’s, focusing on restoring democratic norms and upholding the rule of law.
Building Bipartisan Support
Harris’s campaign has made efforts to highlight its appeal to Republicans disillusioned with Trump. The recent Democratic National Convention featured several Republican speakers, including former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a vocal Trump critic, and other prominent Republican figures. The creation of a “Republicans for Harris” group further solidifies Harris’s strategy to appeal to moderate voters who might traditionally align with the Republican Party but are seeking an alternative to Trump.
The endorsement by these former Republican officials underscores the growing divide within the GOP regarding Trump’s influence on the party. As the 2024 election approaches, Harris’s campaign will likely continue to capitalize on this dissent, aiming to attract Republicans and independents who value bipartisan leadership and stability in government. The coming months will reveal whether this strategy will significantly impact the electorate and shift the political landscape.
