Former GOP Reps from Virginia Break Ranks, Endorse Harris for President

In a significant political development, Barbara Comstock, a former Republican congresswoman from Virginia, has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. This move, announced on a recent CNN interview, marks a notable departure from party lines and underscores growing divisions within the Republican Party.

Comstock, who represented Virginia's 10th Congressional District from 2015 to 2019, cited concerns about democracy in the wake of the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection as her primary motivation. "After Jan. 6, after Donald Trump has refused for four years to acknowledge that he lost, and his threats against democracy, I think it's important to turn the page," Comstock stated.

Interestingly, Comstock is not alone in her decision. Another former Virginia Republican representative, Denver Riggleman, who served the 5th congressional district from 2019 to 2021, also recently announced his support for Harris. Both former lawmakers pointed to the events of January 6 and their apprehensions about the state of American democracy as key factors in their endorsements.

These endorsements highlight the ongoing internal struggle within the Republican Party, particularly in Virginia. Despite Comstock and Riggleman's break from Trump, the state's GOP establishment largely remains supportive of the former president. Glenn Youngkin, Virginia's current Republican governor, spoke passionately in favor of Trump at a rally in Chesapeake in June 2024, vowing to help secure a victory for him in the upcoming November election.

Comstock's political career has been marked by several clashes with Trump. In 2016, following the release of the infamous Access Hollywood tape, she called for Trump to withdraw from the presidential race. Later, she opposed Trump's efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and his attempts to shut down the government over legislation targeting the MS-13 gang.

"I did not vote for Trump in 2016 or 2020."

It's worth noting that Virginia has consistently voted Democratic in presidential elections since 2008, adding another layer of complexity to the state's political landscape. The endorsements by Comstock and Riggleman may reflect a broader shift in voter sentiment, particularly in Northern Virginia's swing districts.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, these endorsements serve as a reminder of the evolving political dynamics within the Republican Party. They also underscore the lasting impact of the January 6 events on American politics, influencing decisions even three years after the fact.

While the Virginia GOP establishment remains largely behind Trump, the actions of Comstock and Riggleman demonstrate that some Republicans are willing to cross party lines based on their concerns about democracy and the future direction of the country. As the campaign season intensifies, it remains to be seen whether more Republicans will follow suit or if the party will maintain its unified front behind the former president.