In an effort to attract disenchanted Republicans and moderate voters, Vice President Kamala Harris has rolled out the “Republicans for Harris” initiative in New Hampshire.
This state has consistently backed Democratic presidential candidates since 2004; however, races tend to be competitive. Notably, Donald Trump gained traction here before President Joe Biden withdrew from his reelection race.
The initiative aims to tap into the growing discontent within the GOP, particularly among those who are wary of Trump’s potential return to politics.
Leading the New Hampshire branch are Claira Monier, a former official from the Reagan era and a past chair of Rick Santorum’s 2012 campaign, along with James Steiner, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret and former Republican congressional candidate.
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They plan to host a variety of events aimed at Republicans, including door-knocking, phone banking, and outreach to local party affiliates and community organizations.
Monier shared her thoughts with WMUR-TV, stating, “Trump’s divisive agenda goes against the conservative values I’ve always championed, which is why I ask my fellow Republicans to support Kamala Harris this November.”
Steiner echoed similar sentiments, claiming it was his “patriotic duty” to back Harris, emphasizing her commitment to democratic values and her inclusiveness compared to Trump.
This initiative is part of a larger strategy by the Harris campaign to connect with moderate and independent voters across the nation.
Austin Weatherford, the campaign’s national director of Republican outreach, remarked that Trump’s brand of extremism alienates many Republicans who feel the party no longer reflects their values.
Since Biden announced he wouldn’t run, Harris has generally led in polls, indicating a potentially welcoming audience for her bipartisan approach in New Hampshire.
The “Republicans for Harris” effort has garnered backing from notable Republican figures nationwide, including former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman and ex-Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld. Whitman recently stated in an interview that voting for Harris is crucial to “preserving democracy for at least the next four years.”
The outreach strategy in New Hampshire, alongside similar initiatives in states like Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, aims to create a supportive environment for GOP voters, allowing them to support Harris without feeling disloyal to their party.
As Election Day nears, these Republican endorsements could play a key role in influencing pivotal swing states and maintaining support in competitive blue-leaning areas like New Hampshire.