In a surprising cross-party alliance, former Republican Representative Liz Cheney is set to campaign alongside Vice President Kamala Harris in Wisconsin, a crucial battleground state, in an effort to persuade undecided voters to turn away from former President Donald Trump. Cheney’s endorsement of Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, highlights her ongoing mission to stop Trump from returning to the White House.
The campaign event in Ripon, Wisconsin, holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Republican Party. It marks a critical moment in Cheney’s efforts to sway voters in the final weeks leading up to Election Day. With less than five weeks remaining, Cheney’s support for Harris underscores her belief that defeating Trump transcends party politics.
“I don’t believe we have the luxury of writing in candidates’ names, particularly in swing states,” Cheney said during a speech at Duke University in September. Her decision to back Harris, despite policy disagreements, reflects her commitment to defending democracy and the Constitution, which she believes are at risk under Trump’s leadership.
Cheney’s opposition to Trump dates back to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election, leading her to vote for his impeachment and serve as vice chair of the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. These actions cost her the chair position in the House GOP and eventually her seat in Congress, following a 2022 primary defeat to a Trump-backed challenger.
At the Thursday event, Harris will appeal directly to Republican and independent voters, focusing on upholding the rule of law and the Constitution. Her collaboration with Cheney reflects a broader strategy by the Harris campaign to reach disenchanted Republicans. Cheney, who acknowledges her policy differences with Harris, stated, “Those of us who believe in the defense of our democracy… have a duty in this election cycle to come together to put those things above politics.”
Cheney is not alone in her efforts. A growing number of prominent Republicans, including her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, and other GOP figures like Adam Kinzinger and Jeff Flake, have voiced their support for Harris over Trump. Cassidy Hutchinson, a former Trump White House aide, also endorsed Harris, emphasizing the importance of leadership character.
The Harris campaign plans to expand its efforts beyond Wisconsin, with similar events targeting swing states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, and Georgia. In addition to Cheney’s appearances, the campaign will launch a series of economy-focused ads, including testimonials from former Trump voters who now support Harris.
However, not all Democrats agree with this strategy. Some, like Georgia state Rep. Ruwa Romman, have voiced concerns about leaning too heavily on Republican endorsements. Romman, posting on X, argued that relying on Republicans like Cheney may alienate some Democratic voters. Despite this criticism, the Harris campaign remains focused on its mission to unite voters who prioritize defending democracy over party loyalty.
