Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii) announced on Tuesday that she is joining the Republican Party, cementing her separation from the party she sought to represent just four years earlier.
Tulsi made the announcement at a rally for former President Trump, whose 2024 presidential bid she formally endorsed in August.
“It is because of my love for our country and, specifically, because of the leadership that President Trump has brought to transform the Republican Party and bring it back to the party of the people and the party of peace, that I’m proud to stand here with you today, President Trump, and announce that I’m joining the Republican Party,” Gabbard said on stage at the rally, with Trump a few feet behind.
The audience responded with raucous applause, and Trump smiled approvingly and clapped.
“I’m joining the party of the people, the party of equality, the party that was founded to fight against and end slavery in this country. It is the party of common sense, and the party that is led by a president, who has the courage and strength to fight for peace,” she continued.
Gabbard opted not to run again for her House seat in 2020, instead joining the crowded Democratic primary, which resulted in President Biden winning the nomination and, ultimately, the presidency.
Gabbard, a National Guard veteran who served two tours of duty in the Middle East, has long been critical of the Democratic establishment, especially of the country’s engagement in wars in that region.
She was the sole Democrat to vote “present” when Trump was impeached for the first time in 2019. She supported Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for president in 2016 and ultimately endorsed Biden in 2020.
Gabbard left the Democratic Party two years later, becoming an independent. She has continued to campaign for high-profile Republicans and is a frequent commentator on conservative media.