Denver Riggleman, a former Republican representative from Virginia, has backed Kamala Harris for president and called out Donald Trump in his statement.
A statement from the Harris team said, “I was heartbroken and horrified to see how close we came to losing our democracy on January 6 because of one man—Donald Trump.” “I’ve seen with my own eyes how Trump’s thirst for power, revenge, and retribution is his real motivation, and that’s why I cannot stand by while he tries to destroy our country.”
Riggleman’s support for the likely Democratic candidate was made public as part of the Republicans for Harris rollout, which the Harris campaign called a “campaign within a campaign.”
“I’m here.” Riggleman wrote, “Yep,” in answer to his name being on the list. “I’ve seen what J6 sent me. Trump and his helpers are bad people. Project 2025 is being pushed by the same people who pushed J6. A second term for Trump would put US people in danger and cause chaos around the world. Being sane should be the starting point. Criminals should not be taken seriously.
From 2019 to 2021, Riggleman was the representative for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, which is in the middle of the state and mostly country. Trump backed him twice, but Rep. Bob Good (R-VA) beat him in 2021. Good recently lost a primary for reelection to state Sen. John McGuire after a recall.
Riggleman has also owned a brewery and worked as an intelligence officer in the Air Force. He worked as a staff member on the House Jan. 6 committee after leaving Congress.
Other Republicans who voted for Harris are Stephanie Grisham, who used to work in the Trump White House, Chuck Hagel, who used to be secretary of defense, and Christine Todd Whitman, who used to be governor of New Jersey.