In a surprising show of support, more than 200 Republicans who previously worked for prominent figures such as George W. Bush, the late John McCain, and Mitt Romney have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president. The exclusive open letter obtained by USA TODAY highlights a growing faction of Republican detractors of the GOP nominee, which was also evident at the recent Democratic National Convention.

The letter, signed by 238 members, includes former aides to George H.W. Bush, reinforcing their previous statements in support of Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Despite acknowledging ideological disagreements, the signatories believe that the alternative is simply unbearable. The endorsement by this group of Republican stalwarts comes as a blow to President Donald Trump's reelection campaign.

Notable signatories of the letter endorsing Harris and Walz include Mark Salter and Chris Koch, former chiefs of staff for McCain, as well as Joe Donoghue, the former legislative director for McCain. Jennifer Lux, press secretary for McCain's 2008 campaign, and Jean Becker, longtime chief of staff for George H.W. Bush, have also added their support. Other influential figures, such as David Nierenberg, Romney's 2012 campaign finance chair, and Olivia Troye, a former advisor to both George W. Bush and Vice President Mike Pence, have also endorsed Harris.

The letter emphasizes the potential consequences of four more years under President Trump's leadership, specifically referencing the dangerous goals outlined in "Project 2025," a policy blueprint associated with the Heritage Foundation. It also raises concerns about Trump's relationship with dictators and the weakening of democratic movements abroad.

The animosity between Republicans who served under McCain, Romney, and the Bush family and Trump has been well-documented. Romney, who voted to impeach Trump, has already stated that he will not support the former president in the 2024 election, but he has not endorsed Harris either. George W. Bush chose to abstain from attending the recent Republican National Convention, maintaining a public silence about Trump.

The endorsement from this group of former Republican staffers is significant, as they believe moderate Republicans and conservative independents played a pivotal role in President Joe Biden's victory. They are now calling on more moderate Republicans and independents to join them in supporting Harris over Trump in the upcoming election.

The Harris campaign has actively showcased its support from Republicans who oppose Trump, launching a "Republicans for Harris" group and featuring Republican speakers at the Democratic National Convention. The recent endorsement from a dozen prominent Republican attorneys, including former federal appellate judge Michael Luttig, who plans to vote for a Democratic president for the first time, further solidifies the growing support for Harris within Republican circles.

With just a few months left before the election, it remains to be seen how these endorsements will impact the campaign. As the race tightens, the shift in support from longtime Republican figures serves as a resounding message against Trump's leadership and a call for a different course for the country.