Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic presidential candidate, has officially announced her affiliation with the Republican Party at a rally for Donald Trump on Tuesday in Greensboro, North Carolina, a critical swing state ahead of the upcoming election.
Gabbard has recently taken on a role as an honorary co-chair of Trump’s transition team, joining the campaign alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., another former Democrat.
In her announcement, Gabbard expressed admiration for Trump’s leadership and his efforts to reshape the Republican Party. “I am proud to stand here with you today, President Trump, and announce that I’m joining the Republican Party. I am joining the party of the people,” Gabbard stated, referencing the party’s historical fight against slavery and its commitment to equality and common sense.
Trump responded to her announcement with enthusiasm, noting the significance of her shift from being an independent for an extended period. “That’s a great honor. Thank you very much, Tulsi,” he said.
Gabbard’s political career includes serving as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2013 to 2016 before resigning to support Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. She also made headlines during the 2020 Democratic debates when she confronted Kamala Harris regarding her record as a prosecutor.
After leaving the Democratic Party in 2022 and declaring her independence, Gabbard has since launched her own podcast and participated in conservative gatherings.
From 2013 to 2021, Gabbard represented Hawaii’s Second District in Congress as a Democrat. She is also a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.