John McCain's Son Switches to Democratic Party, Backs Harris for 2024

In a significant political shift, Jimmy McCain, the youngest son of late Senator John McCain, has announced his decision to change his voter registration to Democrat. The Army 1st Lt., who has served in the military for 17 years, plans to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 2024 election.

This move marks a notable departure from the McCain family's long-standing Republican affiliation. John McCain, who served in the U.S. Senate from 1987 to 2018, was the Republican nominee for President in 2008, losing to Barack Obama. The McCain family's history of military service spans generations, with John McCain himself having been a prisoner of war in Vietnam for over five years.

Jimmy McCain's decision comes in the wake of recent events at Arlington National Cemetery, established during the American Civil War. Last month, former President Donald Trump's campaign staff was involved in an altercation at the cemetery during a visit to mark the third anniversary of a tragic incident in Afghanistan.

"It just blows me away. These men and women that are laying in the ground there have no choice [of whether to be a backdrop for Trump's political campaign]."

The younger McCain expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as a "violation" and "a painful experience." He emphasized the importance of respecting military sacrifices, a sentiment deeply rooted in his family's history.

Jimmy McCain's endorsement of Harris, who became the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American vice president in 2021, aligns with a growing trend of Republicans distancing themselves from Trump. The Democratic National Convention, which occurs every four years, has recently featured several Republicans and former Trump officials as speakers.

While Jimmy McCain is embracing the Democratic Party, his sister, Meghan McCain, has stated she will not support either Harris or Trump in the upcoming election. This divergence highlights the complex political landscape within the McCain family.

The McCain family's relationship with Trump has been strained for years. Trump's criticism of John McCain's military service and his complaints about the late senator's vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act have been points of contention.

In contrast, the late Senator maintained a close bond with Joe Biden, with whom he served in the Senate. Cindy McCain, John McCain's widow, crossed party lines to endorse Biden in 2020. She currently serves as the executive director of the World Food Program, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.

As the 2024 election approaches, the political landscape continues to evolve. With JD Vance, author of "Hillbilly Elegy" and elected to the Senate in 2022, as Trump's running mate, and Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota since 2019, joining Harris on the Democratic ticket, the race promises to be closely watched. Presidential polling averages in battleground states will be crucial indicators as both parties vie for control of the 100-member U.S. Senate.