Anti-Trump Republicans endorsing vulnerable Democrats to prevent GOP takeover

A group of anti-Trump Republicans on Thursday endorsed a slate of Democrats and centrist Republicans in the 2022 midterm elections to fight against former President Trump’s hold on the party.

The Renew America Movement (RAM) announced it is backing a slew of lawmakers running for reelection. The group was founded by a group of moderates within the GOP after the Jan. 6 insurrection, which was fueled by Trump’s lies about the election being stolen in November.

“There is an urgent effort by Republicans and former Republicans to stem the tide of anti-democratic and lie-based Republican leaders in congress before it’s too late,” RAM said in an announcement.

“Today, Renew America announced its Renewer Watchlist. The Renewer Watchlist is comprised of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents who are working toward real electoral victories.”

Today, Renew America announced its Renewer Watchlist. The Renewer Watchlist is comprised of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents who are working toward real electoral victories. pic.twitter.com/ijAqaouVnN

— Renew America Movement (@RenewAmerica) October 14, 2021

Among the endorsees are the handful of Republicans who have criticized Trump, including Rep. Liz Cheney (Wyo.), who is the former president’s public enemy No. 1 over her repeated criticism of him over the insurrection, and Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Ill.), who may not have a seat to run for after redistricting in Illinois. 

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who voted to convict Trump in his impeachment hearing earlier this year, is also being endorsed.

Also included in the list are 11 Democratic members of the House and Senate, most of whom are running in tight elections. Among them is Sen. Mark Kelly, who is running for a full term next year in a marquee Senate race in Arizona, as well as “front-line” House members such as Reps. Abigail Spanberger (Va.) and Jared Golden (Maine). 

“With the mounting threats to our democracy and Constitution, we need people who work proactively to lead their party and the country away from the political extremes,” Joel Searby, RAM’s national political director, told Reuters, which was the first to report on the endorsements.

All of the group’s endorsees are likely to face headwinds as they fight for reelection, be it from primary or general election challengers with Trump’s backing. 

Among RAM’s leaders are Republicans who served in the Trump administration and have since become critics, including former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci and Department of Homeland Security official Miles Taylor.