Liz Cheney Endorses Democrat Elissa Slotkin — A First As She Plots Post-Congressional Political Career

Topline

Outgoing Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney endorsed Democrat Rep. Elissa Slotkin in her race against Republican state Sen. Tom Barrett — who questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election — as Cheney continues her opposition to former President Donald Trump and plots her post-Congress political future.

US Representative Liz Cheney (R-WY) delivers a closing statement during a hearing by the House … [+] Select Committee to investigate the January 6th attack on the US Capitol in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, DC, on July 21, 2022. – The select House committee conducting the investigation of the Capitol riot is holding its eighth and final hearing, providing a detailed examination of former President Donald Trump’s actions on January 6th. More than 850 people have been arrested in connection with the 2021 attack on Congress, which came after Trump delivered a fiery speech to his supporters near the White House falsely claiming that the election was “stolen.” (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

AFP via Getty Images

Key Facts

Cheney said she is “proud to endorse” Slotkin, while acknowledging their policy differences and urging Republicans to vote for her, according to a statement released Thursday by Slotkin’s campaign.

The endorsement is Cheney’s first in the midterm election and her first-ever of a Democrat, and follows her high profile role as one of two Republicans on the House January 6 committee, in which she leveled robust criticism against Trump.

Slotkin, in a toss-up race for re-election against Barrett, has publicly disputed Republicans’ claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election and spoken out against Trump for refusing to concede.

Cheney–who was unseated by Trump-backed candidate Harriet Hageman in the primary–served with Slotkin on the House Armed Services Committee and both have openly criticized Republicans who denied the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

Barrett is among 11 members of the Michigan state Senate who penned a letter to Congress on January 5, 2021 asking it to investigate “credible allegations” of “fraud and irregularities” surrounding the 2020 presidential election.

Key Background

Cheney’s rebuke of Trump’s claims that he won the election and her role as vice chair of the January 6 committee ultimately cost her a congressional seat when the former president endorsed Hageman, but Cheney has expressed no regrets. Following her primary loss, she announced plans to “mobilize a unified effort to oppose any Donald Trump campaign for president” and floated the possibility that she could run in 2024.

Big Number

230. The number of seats Republicans are likely to win on election day, according to FiveThirtyEight, which gives the GOP an 82 in 100 chance at winning control of the House, currently split 222-213 with Democrats in the majority. Slotkin’s seat is among 23 held by Democrats that are considered toss-ups, according to Cook Political Report.

Critical Quote

“At a time when our nation is facing threats at home and abroad, we need serious, responsible, substantive members like Elissa in Congress,” Cheney said in the statement.

What To Watch For

Cheney and Slotkin will campaign together on Tuesday in Lansing.