Former Republican congresswoman Barbara Comstock endorses Kamala Harris for president, citing Trump’s refusal to acknowledge his 2020 loss and threats to democracy.
At a Glance
- Barbara Comstock, former GOP congresswoman, endorses Kamala Harris for president
- Comstock cites Trump’s refusal to acknowledge 2020 loss and threats to democracy as reasons
- Other prominent Republicans, including Judge J. Michael Luttig, also endorse Harris
- Virginia GOP leadership continues to support Trump despite these endorsements
- Harris campaign launches “Republicans for Harris” program to attract GOP voters
Republican Support Shifts to Harris
In a surprising turn of events, former Republican congresswoman Barbara Comstock has announced her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential election. Comstock, who represented Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, cited Donald Trump’s refusal to acknowledge his 2020 election loss and perceived threats to democracy as primary reasons for her decision.
“After Jan 6, after Donald Trump has refused for four years to acknowledge that he lost, and his threats against democracy, I think it’s important to turn the page. That’s why I will be voting for the vice president.” – Barbara Comstock
Comstock is not alone in her decision. She joins former congressman Denver Riggleman and several other high-profile Republicans in supporting Harris. This shift in allegiance comes as a significant development in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.
Conservative Legal Scholar Endorses Harris
In another notable endorsement, retired federal appeals court Judge J. Michael Luttig, a conservative legal scholar appointed by President George H.W. Bush, has also thrown his support behind Vice President Harris. Luttig, who has never before voted for a Democrat, described Trump’s candidacy as an existential threat to American democracy.
“In the presidential election of 2024 there is only one political party and one candidate for the presidency that can claim the mantle of defender and protector of America’s Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law,” Luttig wrote in a statement obtained exclusively by CNN. “As a result, I will unhesitatingly vote for the Democratic Party’s candidate for the Presidency of the United States, Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris.”
Luttig’s endorsement is particularly significant given his prominent role in persuading then-Vice President Mike Pence to certify the 2020 presidential election results, despite pressure from Trump to do otherwise.
Republicans at the Democratic National Convention
The Harris campaign’s efforts to attract Republican voters have extended to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. Republicans Adam Kinzinger and Ana Navarro are set to appear at the convention, further highlighting the growing support for Harris from across the political aisle.
Kinzinger, a vocal critic of Trump who voted to impeach him following the January 6 attacks, is expected to make a case for supporting Harris despite potential policy disagreements. Ana Navarro, a Republican strategist and co-host of ABC’s The View, will host Tuesday night of the convention.
“I’m a little refugee girl who fled communism, who fled Nicaragua at the age of eight, found freedom, found opportunity, found a home in America, and for me to have the chance to stand on that stage and help my girl, Kamala, make history and become the Democratic nominee, it’s just such a mind-blowing moment,” Navarro said.
Virginia GOP Maintains Trump Support
Despite these high-profile endorsements for Harris, the broader Virginia GOP continues to support Trump. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has spoken strongly in favor of the former president and pledged to help him win Virginia in the upcoming election. This divergence highlights the ongoing divisions within the Republican party as the 2024 election approaches.
As the presidential race heats up, the “Republicans for Harris” program launched by the Harris campaign aims to capitalize on this shift in support. With prominent conservatives crossing party lines, the 2024 election is shaping up to be a critical moment for American democracy and the future of the two-party system.
Sources:
1. Former GOP Rep. Barbara Comstock says she’ll vote for Kamala Harris
3. Exclusive: Conservative Republican endorses Harris, calls Trump a threat to democracy
