Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign is introducing a new initiative called “Republicans for Harris” aimed at attracting Republican voters who were turned off by Donald Trump’s presidency. This strategic program, described as a “campaign within a campaign” by Harris’ team, intends to appeal to Republican voters, especially those who supported former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley in the primaries. Scheduled events in Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania will mark the launch of this program, where Republicans endorsing Harris will join rallies with the vice president and her upcoming running mate.
The Harris campaign sees this initiative as a means to provide a “permission structure” for GOP voters who may struggle to support Harris. The strategy heavily relies on communication from Republican to Republican, believing that direct outreach from fellow Republicans is the best way to persuade GOP voters to choose Harris. The campaign aims to engage Republicans who prioritize country over party and seek a president dedicated to safeguarding freedoms and prioritizing the interests of the American people.
Austin Weatherford, Harris’ national director of Republican outreach and former chief of staff to ex-Rep. Adam Kinzinger, stresses that Trump’s “extremism” is alienating many Republicans who feel that the Republican Party under Trump no longer aligns with their values. Kinzinger, known for his involvement in investigating the January 6 Capitol attack, emphasizes his endorsement of Harris, stating that she will defend democracy and prevent Trump from returning to the White House.
The effort to draw in moderate Republican voters contrasts with Trump’s approach, as he continues to target Republican figures like Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. The campaign also highlights the endorsement of Harris by prominent Republicans including former Govs. Bill Weld and Christine Todd Whitman, former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, and several former Republican members of Congress critical of Trump. Stephanie Grisham, a former Trump press secretary, is another noteworthy figure endorsing Harris, citing her belief that Harris will champion freedom, democracy, and represent the U.S. with honor on the global stage.
