The impact of Liz Cheney’s first-ever endorsement of a Democrat, Representative Elissa Slotkin in Michigan, is something to watch the next two weeks.
Democratic Michigan Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin was endorsed Thursday by Republican Liz Cheney, though it remains unclear whether it will help or hurt Slotkin’s chances in what is already a close race in a redrawn district.
Cheney and Slotkin serve together on the House Armed Services Committee and both have backgrounds in national security: Cheney previously served in the State Department while Slotkin worked in the CIA post-9/11 in various defense and intelligence positions under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
“I’m proud to endorse Elissa Slotkin,” said Cheney, who in August was voted out of Congress, in a statement. “Serving together on the Armed Services Committee, I have come to know Elissa as a good and honorable public servant who works hard for the people she represents, wants what’s best for the country, and is in this for the right reasons.
“While Elissa and I have our policy disagreements, at a time when our nation is facing threats at home and abroad, we need serious, responsible, substantive members like Elissa in Congress. I encourage all voters in the 7th District—Republicans, Democrats and independents—to support her in this election.”
Cheney is also the former chair of the House Republican Conference and currently serves as vice chair of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. On October 13, she and other committee members voted to issue a subpoena to former President Donald Trump over his actions before, during and after the attack.
In her own statement, Slotkin called Cheney’s voice “critical” as democracy continues to be challenged. Both believe in a country-above-party mentality, she added.
“I’m grateful for her support in this race and I’m proud of the work we’ve done together to strengthen our national security and America’s role in the world,” Slotkin said.
