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Former Democratic Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard officially announced her decision to join the Republican party during an appearance at former President Donald Trump's rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, Tuesday (October 22) night.
Gabbard, 43, has been critical of the Democratic party since switching to Independent in 2022, following her own 2020 presidential campaign.
“The Democrat Party has no home for people like us, but we do have a home in the Republican Party — where we are welcomed with open arms by President Trump and so many of you who love our country,” Gabbard told the crowd via the New York Post.
“And 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, with President Trump, and announce that I’m joining the Republican Party,” she added. “You know, I was a Democrat for over 20 years. Today’s Democrat Party is completely unrecognizable, which points to the clear choice that we have in this Election Day."
Trump, 78, claimed he wasn't expecting Gabbard's announcement, despite the former congresswoman joining his transition team alongside fellow former Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr. earlier this year.
"Wow, that was a surprise," Trump claimed, calling it a "great honor" to have influenced Gabbard's decision to join the GOP.