Who are ‘Republicans for Harris’? Kamala Harris campaign's anti-Trump group draws key endorsements

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign launched 'Republican for Harris' seeking the support of members of the rival party who are opposed to former President Donald Trump, reported The Hill on Sunday, August 4.

Described as a “campaign within a campaign," the group will focus on helping raise GOP voices “to speak to their friends and family about the importance of voting for the Vice President,” according to the Harris campaign. They are scheduled to have kickoff events in battleground states Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania on Monday.

“Donald Trump’s MAGA extremism is toxic to the millions of Republicans who no longer believe the party of Donald Trump represents their values and will vote against him again in November,” stated Austin Weatherford, Harris’ national director for Republican outreach.

“Donald Trump said he doesn’t want these voters, but Vice President Harris and our campaign are working overtime to earn the support of my fellow Republicans who care about defending democracy and restoring decency — all of which would be torn away in a second Trump presidency," he added.

The endorsements received by Harris from Republicans

The group has reportedly received over 25 GOP endorsements, including of former secretaries Chuck Hagel, a Republican senator from Nebraska and Defense secretary, and Ray LaHood, a GOP congressman from Illinois and Transportation secretary. Both of them served during the presidency of Barack Obama.

On Sunday, they further bagged the support of Trump's White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, and Olivia Troye, ex-national security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence.

“I encourage other Trump administration officials who saw the tyrant we worked for in office to speak out and stand with Kamala Harris this November to keep integrity in the White House and ensure democracy for our country,” Grisham shared in a statement.

“The stakes are too high to let partisanship jeopardize our freedoms and the Constitution," observed Troye, even urging her former boss Pence to “do the right thing.”

Other GOP members endorsing Harris include former Reps Christopher Shays (R-Conn), Joe Walsh (R-Ill), and Susan Molinari (R-NY), as well as Rep Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill), who had even endorsed incumbent Joe Biden while he was still running for reelection.

Endorsements also came from former GOP Govs Bill Weld (Mass), Christine Todd Whitman (NJ), Jim Edgar (Ill), as well as from former Lt Gov Geoff Duncan (R-Ga), the campaign announced on Sunday.

The list of Republicans backing the Democratic nominee over their own further includes former GOP Reps Alan Steelman (Texas), Claudine Schneider (RI), David Emery (Maine), David Trott (Mich), Jack Quinn (NY), Jim Greenwood (Pa), John LeBoutillier (NY), Tom Coleman (Mo), Rod Chandler (Wash), Peter Smith (Vt) and Wayne Gilchrest (Md).

Internet cheers for 'Republicans for Harris'

Netizens reacting to the news on X (formerly Twitter,  expressed their support for the group, calling it an 'outstanding' move to promote unity against Trump. The following tweets demonstrate the prevalent mood.

"A powerful endorsement highlighting Vice President Harris's commitment to democracy, freedom, and American values!" exclaimed a user.

"Imagine someone as vile and repulsive as Trump obliterating the GOP, leaving all sane folks to vote Democrat. Now *that* is what I call patriotism," wrote another.

"This is great. It’s time to unite the country against the orange felon who has put himself and his dictatorial ambitions above the interests of the American people," observed a third.

"This is perfect," quipped a fourth user.

"This is an outstanding play. @VP," echoed a fifth.

"If this is successful, it’ll be landslide. If not, she’ll still win, but it will be a lot closer," expressed another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.