Vice President Kamala Harris is making significant strides in Wisconsin, a crucial swing state, by garnering endorsements from several prominent Republicans. This strategic move aims to attract voters who may be disillusioned with Donald Trump as the presidential race heats up.
Recently, Harris received public endorsements from outgoing Republican state Sen. Robert Cowles and Shawn Reilly, the former mayor of Waukesha, a key GOP area. This follows a wave of support from other local Republicans, including former sheriffs and legislators. Notably, Liz Cheney, a prominent critic of Trump and a former Republican congresswoman, publicly backed Harris during her visits to Wisconsin, emphasizing a shift in her voting intentions: “I tell you, I have never voted for a Democrat, but this year I am proudly casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.” Cheney’s endorsement highlights her appeal to anti-Trump Republicans, particularly in regions like Ripon and Waukesha, which have traditionally leaned Republican.
The Harris campaign is actively targeting suburban voters, where Nikki Haley, Trump’s main rival in the Republican primaries, performed well. Austin Weatherford, the national Republican engagement director for Harris, stated, Our Republicans for Harris program is taking that unifying, inspiring message to anti-Trump Republicans, moderates, and independents. The campaign has recruited Tracy Ann Mangold, a longtime Republican activist, as a co-chair to help connect with additional Republicans who may be open to supporting Harris.
In a concerted effort to engage these voters, the campaign has organized canvassing and phone bank events focused on discussing Trump’s perceived extremism and emphasizing the importance of protecting democratic institutions. Timothy White, Harris’ Wisconsin press secretary, noted that these interactions often touch on significant issues like the January 6 Capitol riots and the need for integrity in leadership.
Reilly’s endorsement is particularly impactful, given Waukesha County’s history as a Republican stronghold. He expressed his concerns about Trump’s candidacy, saying, “I am terrified of Donald Trump becoming our next president for all the reasons I have indicated: He’s already been impeached twice. He’s been convicted of felonies, and this is not what the United States needs.”
Overall, Harris’ outreach strategy in Wisconsin reflects a broader campaign effort to build a coalition of diverse voters, challenging Trump’s dominance in the GOP and seeking to unify those who prioritize constitutional values over party allegiance.