Washington — Former Representative Liz Cheney, a Republican known for her criticism of former President Donald Trump, has announced she will vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election.
During a Wednesday event at Duke University, Cheney expressed her concern about the current political climate, stating, “I don’t believe that we have the luxury of writing in candidates’ names, particularly in swing states. As a conservative who values the Constitution, I have reflected on this matter deeply. Given the risks posed by Donald Trump, I will not only refrain from voting for him, but I will also be casting my vote for Kamala Harris.”
Cheney, who was part of the congressional committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot, had previously stated in January that Trump should be barred from the ballot due to his actions surrounding the attack. At that time, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump was disqualified from the presidency based on those events, preventing him from appearing on Colorado’s primary ballot. However, the U.S. Supreme Court later clarified that states cannot disqualify the former president from the ballot for his involvement in the riot.
“We need to be ready to defeat him at the ballot box, and I believe we can achieve that,” Cheney remarked during an appearance on “Face the Nation” in January.
Jen O’Malley Dillon, campaign chair for Harris, expressed her gratitude for Cheney’s support, saying that Harris is “proud to have earned Congresswoman Cheney’s vote.”
Dillon added, “For any American looking to distance themselves from the chaos and division brought by Donald Trump, and to embrace a new direction that safeguards our freedoms and American values, there is a place for you in the Harris-Walz coalition, and we will continue to strive for your support.”
Harris’ campaign has actively sought to engage independents and moderate Republicans who may feel alienated by Trump to gain their backing for the Democratic ticket.
In response to Cheney’s endorsement, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung questioned her significance, asking, “Who is Liz Cheney and what does she do?”
Senator JD Vance of Ohio, who is Trump’s running mate, stated that the former president would ensure that individuals like Cheney are “laughed out of the Oval Office, instead of rewarded.”
Cheney joins a growing list of Republicans who have openly endorsed Harris. More than 200 Republicans who previously served under former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, as well as Senators John McCain and Mitt Romney, signed a letter supporting Harris, warning that democracy would face “irreparable jeopardy” under another Trump administration. They called on moderate Republicans and independents in key states to take a courageous stance once again by supporting Harris.
This announcement followed strong critiques of Trump from several Republicans during last month’s Democratic National Convention, including Olivia Troye, a former adviser to Mike Pence, Stephanie Grisham, a former Trump press secretary, and former Illinois Representative Adam Kinzinger, all voicing their opposition to the GOP presidential nominee.