WASHINGTON — In a bold move to attract disenchanted Republican voters, Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign has officially launched “Republicans for Harris.” This initiative aims to engage those put off by former President Donald Trump’s candidacy, marking a strategic effort ahead of the upcoming elections.
The initiative is described as “a campaign within a campaign,” focusing on mobilizing well-known Republicans to leverage their networks. Special emphasis will be placed on primary voters who previously supported former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. Launch events are scheduled this week in key battleground states including Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, with Republican supporters joining Harris at rallies alongside her soon-to-be-announced running mate.
The campaign is strategically designed to establish “a permission structure” for GOP voters, who may struggle to support Harris. The campaign plans to facilitate direct communication between Republicans, hoping that personal endorsements can sway undecided voters.
Highlighting the disconnect many Republicans feel from Trump’s leadership, Harris’ national director of Republican outreach asserted that Trump’s “extremism is toxic to the millions of Republicans who no longer believe the party of Donald Trump represents their values.” The campaign’s message focuses on valuing country over party and ensuring all Americans have a president who prioritizes their freedoms.
The effort sees support from prominent Republicans, including former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who has previously endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket. Kinzinger emphasized his conviction that Harris will protect democracy and prevent Trump from returning to office.
Kinzinger became nationally recognized for his role on the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, where significant evidence was presented regarding Trump’s actions before and during the attempted insurrection.
In contrast, Trump has made minimal efforts to court moderate Republican support, continuing to criticize GOP figures like Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who opposed Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Past campaign ads have underscored criticism of Trump from former staffers, targeting his derogatory remarks towards Haley and showcasing the division within the Republican base.
Despite her withdrawal from the 2024 Republican nomination, Haley garnered significant support in the primaries, reflecting a persistent divide in the party.
The Harris campaign is also backed by notable figures including former Governors Bill Weld of Massachusetts and Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey, alongside former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and 16 former Republican members of Congress. All these supporters have voiced their opposition to Trump.
Additionally, former Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham expressed her endorsement for Harris, highlighting her commitment to defending freedom and promoting democratic values on the global stage.
