Tulsi Gabbard, former Democratic candidate for president, joins ...

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WBTV) - Former Democratic candidate for president Tulsi Gabbard announced she’s joining the Republican Party at a North Carolina Trump rally on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

The event, which took place in Greensboro, was Trump’s fourth stop in N.C. within two days. His latest appearance comes just weeks before Election Day, and in a state that is key to his bid to retake the White House.

Gabbard, who served as U.S. Representative for Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021, officially flipped to the GOP during her six-minute speech at the former President’s rally.

“It is because of my love for our country and, specifically, because of the leadership President Trump has brought to transform the Republican Party and bring it back to the party of the people and the party of peace,” Gabbard said. “I‘m proud to stand here with you today, President Trump, and announce that I’m joining the Republican party.”

Gabbard ran in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries before leaving the party in October 2022 to become an independent.

“I was a Democrat for over 20 years,” Gabbard elaborated. “Today’s Democratic Party is completely unrecognizable which points to the clear choice we have in this election.”

Trump later noted he was not expecting Gabbard’s announcement.

“Wow. That was a surprise,” Trump said. “It’s a great honor.”

Copyright 2024 WBTV. All rights reserved.