Liz Cheney, the former Republican congresswoman from Wyoming, announced her support for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. The decision, which surprised many because of Cheney’s deep conservative background and her family’s political legacy, was shared during a speaking event at Duke University.
Cheney told students that it was no longer enough for her to simply oppose Trump – as she has consistently done after the events January 6, 2021; she needed to take decisive action to prevent him from regaining the White House.
“As someone who cares deeply about the Constitution and conservative values, I’ve thought long and hard about this,” Cheney said. “Because of the threat that Donald Trump poses, I will not only refuse to vote for him — I will be voting for Kamala Harris.”
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause. Cheney’s decision to back Harris, particularly in a critical swing state like North Carolina, stunned political observers, especially since she had previously condemned Harris as a “radical liberal” with a voting record further to the left than Bernie Sanders, and considering her strong conservative credentials, which include being pro-gun, anti-abortion, and a staunch supporter of a robust national defense.
In the lead-up to her endorsement, Harris’s campaign had actively pursued Cheney’s support, recognizing its potential impact on disillusioned Republicans. Cheney marked herself out from other Republicans, like former Senator Pat Toomey, who have rejected Trump but stopped short of endorsing his Democratic opponent.
The endorsement is yet another significant break Cheney has made with the GOP, following her leadership role in investigating the January 6 attack and her vote to impeach Trump. Losing her seat and Republican leadership position has only further cemented Cheney’s role as a leading anti-Trump voice. Now, with her endorsement of Harris, she’s making a stand that goes beyond all her previous criticisms.
For many in the audience, including Duke Democrats co-president Ari Miller, Cheney’s announcement struck a chord. “I used to be conservative,” Miller said. “But hearing Cheney’s words really resonated. She’s taking a difficult stand, but it’s the right one.”
Cheney had already endorsed Democratic congresswoman in Michigan Elissa Slotkin in the 2022 midterm elections – and several analysts speculate that she may now aspire to the ministerial role that a future Harris administration may reserve for a Republican politician.
