GREENSBORO, N.C. — Former Democratic Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who has been campaigning for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, has officially crossed the aisle.
“There is no place for people like us in the Democratic Party, but there is a place in the Republican Party, where many of you who love President Trump and our country will welcome you with open arms,” said Gabbard, who is now an independent. he says. Trump spoke to the crowd at his Tuesday night rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, after running for president in 2020.
“And I'm proud because of my love for our country and especially because of the leadership that President Trump has brought to transform the Republican Party and make it the party of the people and the party of peace.” “Today, I stand here with you, President Trump, and announce that I am joining the Republican Party,” the 43-year-old declared.
Trump, 78, later said he had not expected Gabbard's announcement.
“Wow, that was a surprise,” the former president said, adding that he was “very honored” to have influenced Gabbard to join the ranks of the Republican Party.
North Carolina will cast its 16 electoral votes in November.
Mr. Trump leads Vice President Kamala Harris in the state by less than 1 percentage point, according to RealCelarPolitics' latest polling average.
