Former Staten Island Republican Congresswoman Susan Molinari has made headlines by crossing party lines to endorse Democrat Kamala Harris for president. In an interview with Spectrum News NY1, Molinari, who comes from a well-known Republican family, described Harris as “smart,” “strong,” and capable of handling herself on the world stage. “And she’s not crazy,” Molinari added, highlighting a key reason for her support.
Molinari’s endorsement is part of a newly formed “Republicans for Harris” coalition, which aims to appeal to disillusioned Republicans who may not agree with every Democratic policy but see former President Donald Trump as a volatile and dangerous figure.
Molinari, whose father, Guy Molinari, was a prominent New York Republican, emphasized that her decision should be seen as both a vote of confidence in Harris and a rejection of Trump.
This isn’t the first time Molinari has broken ranks with her party. In 2020, she publicly supported Joe Biden for president, joining other Republicans in addressing the Democratic National Convention.
At the time, she expressed her disappointment and concern about Trump, saying, “I’ve known Donald Trump for most of my political career — so disappointing and lately so disturbing.”
Four years later, Molinari remains steadfast in her decision, arguing that Trump’s recent actions have only reinforced her stance. She praised Biden for stepping aside from the 2024 presidential race while negotiating the return of hostages, contrasting his behavior with Trump’s.
While Molinari has chosen to support Harris, other prominent Republicans who have criticized Trump, such as former Attorney General Bill Barr, have decided to remain with the GOP ticket. When asked about Barr, Molinari refrained from criticizing him but questioned how anyone could support Trump after labeling him a “national danger.”
Despite her endorsement of Harris, Molinari insists she is still a Republican and hopes that her party can return to its former principles. She reflected on her father’s legacy, suggesting that he, too, would have rejected Trump.
“I think he would be proud of me and understand all the reasons I was doing it,” she said, adding that her father might also have supported Biden or Harris if he were still alive.
As New York becomes a critical battleground in the upcoming elections, Molinari advised Republican voters in the state’s competitive districts to be informed and thoughtful. She encouraged them not to let their views on Trump influence their entire ticket, reminding them that “splitting your ticket is a very easy thing to do.”
Molinari also expressed sadness over the transformation of Rudy Giuliani, once a close ally, into a key figure in Trump’s legal battles. “Donald Trump leaves very few people untouched and unscathed,” she said, pointing to Giuliani as “exhibit number one” of the damage Trump can do to those around him.
In endorsing Harris, Molinari underscores her belief in leadership that is stable, principled, and focused on the greater good, even if it means crossing party lines.
Source: Spectrum News 1
