In a surprising political shift, Gary Reed, the former executive director of the Michigan Republican Party, announced on Tuesday that he will support Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election, marking a significant break from the GOP line.
In a letter shared with local Michigan media outlet City Pulse, Reed criticized former President Donald Trump for his fiscal management, stating, “Trump has no fiscal discipline. He added $8 trillion to the debt during his first term.” He expressed concern over Trump’s campaign promises of handouts, suggesting that they lack sustainable economic grounding.
“I don’t agree with all of Harris’ economic policies, but she is more fiscally disciplined than Trump,” Reed asserted.
Reed also took aim at the divisive rhetoric of Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio), accusing them of promoting xenophobia instead of addressing critical issues like rising housing costs.
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“Trump and Vance thrive on xenophobia and blaming immigrants for all of our problems,” he wrote, contrasting their approach with Harris’s proposals for tackling national challenges.
In his letter, Reed criticized Trump’s foreign policy, asserting that the former president has undermined America’s standing with international leaders and NATO allies.
“Rather than promote a strong Reaganesque foreign policy, Trump and Vance admire dictators and want to abandon Ukraine and our NATO allies,” he claimed.
Addressing the crucial auto manufacturing sector in Michigan, Reed lamented, “Trump promised an auto manufacturing boom and failed to deliver. Factories closed under Trump; auto factories are being built under Harris.” He warned that Trump and his allies have severely damaged the Republican Party, both in Michigan and nationally.
“As we approach Election Day, if we ever want our Republican Party back, it has to start with Donald Trump losing on Nov. 5. That’s why I’m voting for Kamala Harris,” Reed concluded.
Reed is not alone in his condemnation of Trump; notable GOP figures, including former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), as well as former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill), have endorsed Harris. Recently, Puerto Rico GOP Chair Ángel Cintrón also expressed he would not vote for Trump unless he apologizes for disparaging remarks made during a rally.
With just six days until the election, recent polling averages indicates a tight race in Michigan, with Harris holding a slight edge over Trump at 48.5 percent to 48.2 percent.
