The first female Secretary of Agriculture, who held the Cabinet position during a Republican president’s administration, is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
Ann Veneman, who served under then-President George W. Bush, shared her announcement Wednesday morning with Fox News Digital.
Veneman is the latest Republican to support the Democratic nominee for president.
“As our nation stands at a critical juncture, the upcoming presidential election presents a stark contrast in leadership and values, particularly for rural communities and agriculture,” Veneman said in a statement.
Veneman, who was the first woman to serve as Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, said, “Donald Trump’s current tariff proposal is dangerous for rural America. It would raise prices on essential goods, harm farmers by undermining key trade relationships, and increase costs for consumers.”
She lauded proposals by Harris and her running mate — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — by stating “their plan for rural communities is a bold vision for the future that invests in economic growth, critical infrastructure, and greater access to care for families. Together, they offer the leadership we need to help agriculture and rural America thrive.”
Walz has touted Harris campaign’s plans to help rural voters by recruiting 10,000 new healthcare professionals in rural and tribal areas by offering scholarships, loan forgiveness and new grant programs.
The Harris campaign hopes to draw away voters from rural communities that have historically backed Trump. The campaign is hopeful even a small number of Republicans voting for Harris could make a difference in the outcome of the election.
Both former Rep. Liz Cheney, who represented Wisconsin, and her father, Dick Cheney, who served as George W. Bush’s vice president, have also endorsed Harris.
