In a surprising move, former Republican Representative Denver Riggleman from Virginia has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris's bid for president. Riggleman's endorsement came alongside the launch of the "Republicans for Harris" initiative, where he joined a high-profile list of Republicans supporting the Vice President's candidacy.

Riggleman, a former ally of Donald Trump who received endorsements from the former president in previous campaigns, has now openly expressed his concerns about Trump's leadership. He specifically pointed to the events of January 6, 2021, when a violent mob of Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol, as a turning point that led to his decision.

"I've seen the data from J6. Trump & his minions are dangerous. The same folks who pushed J6 push Project 2025," Riggleman stated, referring to a potential second term for Trump. He warned that such a scenario would not only endanger U.S. citizens but also create global chaos. Riggleman's endorsement highlights his belief that sanity should be the baseline, and those who engage in criminal acts should be discounted.

The "Republicans for Harris" initiative, launched by the Harris campaign, has gained notable endorsements from over 25 high-profile Republicans. Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and several GOP lawmakers and governors are among those supporting Vice President Harris's candidacy. Notably, Stephanie Grisham, the former White House press secretary under Trump, and Olivia Troye, a former national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, have also lent their support to Harris.

Republican figures who have openly criticized Trump's actions, such as former Representatives Christopher Shays, Joe Walsh, Susan Molinari, and Adam Kinzinger, were also listed among the endorsements. This diverse group of Republicans for Harris aims to activate GOP voices and engage with friends and family to emphasize the importance of voting for the Vice President.

The Republicans for Harris group will kick off its campaign within a campaign with events in Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania on Monday. Their mission is to rally Republicans who no longer feel represented by the party under Trump's leadership, and who are motivated to vote against him in the upcoming November elections.

Austin Weatherford, Harris's national director for Republican outreach, emphasized the toxic extremism of Trump's "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement and stated that millions of Republicans no longer believe the party aligns with their values. Weatherford affirmed that these Republicans would vote against Trump once again in November.

Riggleman's endorsement of Vice President Harris is a significant development in the political landscape, highlighting the division within the Republican Party and reflecting the growing concern over Donald Trump's influence. As the "Republicans for Harris" initiative gains momentum, it remains to be seen how it will impact the trajectory of the 2024 presidential race.