Wisconsin State Senator Rob Cowles has publicly declared his support for Kamala Harris in the upcoming election, marking a significant moment among Republican officials. Cowles, the longest-serving member of the Wisconsin State Senate, expressed his decision during an interview with local radio station Civic Media.
He indicated that his endorsement stems from troubling comments made by former President Donald Trump, particularly his reported praise for Adolf Hitler and his generals. Cowles emphasized that backing Harris is one of the most important actions he has taken in his political career.
Cowles reflected on his hesitance to endorse Harris earlier, citing concerns over potential backlash and the safety of the public. However, he concluded that the gravity of the current political climate necessitated his support for Harris.
He articulated that Trump’s remarks about Hitler, combined with his perceived admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, represent a direct threat to the values and integrity of the United States. Cowles asserted that such behavior positions Trump as an enemy to the country and its foundational principles.
While Cowles acknowledged that he disagrees with many of Harris’s policies, he maintained that the urgency of defeating Trump supersedes these differences.
Wisconsin Senator Rob Cowles Endorses Kamala Harris, Citing Concerns Over Trump’s Remarks
He articulated a commitment to protecting the Constitution and suggested that the nation could endure a Harris presidency, even if it involves more liberal policies. Cowles’s stance reflects a broader sentiment among some Republicans who prioritize the political landscape over party allegiance.
In addition to Cowles, other Republican leaders have also expressed their support for Harris. Shawn Reilly, the mayor of Waukesha, joined Cowles in endorsing Harris, stating his deep fears regarding the implications of another Trump term. This growing list of Republican endorsements for a Democratic candidate highlights a notable shift within certain factions of the party, driven by concerns about Trump’s leadership and rhetoric.
Prominent Republicans, including former Vice President Dick Cheney and former Michigan congressman Fred Upton, have also endorsed Harris, while figures like former Vice President Mike Pence and former President George W. Bush have refrained from supporting Trump.
This trend of Republican officials breaking ranks with their party to support Harris underscores a significant moment in American politics, reflecting deep divisions within the Republican Party and the high stakes of the upcoming election.
