# Republicans backing Democrats in red states

> Prominent GOP figures are endorsing Democratic candidates in competitive 2026 races across traditionally Republican territory.
- Title: Republicans backing Democrats in red states · Newsweek
- Summary: Prominent GOP figures are endorsing Democratic candidates in competitive 2026 races across traditionally Republican territory. Cross-party endorsements in…
- Keywords: republicans endorsing democrats, 2026 elections, cross-party endorsements, south dakota, texas, kansas, georgia, montana, florida, red states, senate races, house races
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/list-of-republicans-endorsing-voting-for-democrats-red-states-12450366
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: republicans endorsing democrats, 2026 elections, cross-party endorsements, south dakota, texas, kansas, georgia, montana, florida, red states, senate races, house races
## Republicans crossing party lines
Prominent Republicans are endorsing Democratic candidates in competitive 2026 races across South Dakota, Texas, Kansas, Georgia, Montana and Florida. These cross-party endorsements are rare in modern U.S. politics, especially in Republican-leaning states.
## South Dakota secretary breaks ranks
South Dakota GOP Secretary of State Monae Johnson endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis for her successor, saying the office's integrity and professionalism were at stake. She refused to back Republican candidate Heather Baxter.
## Karl Rove votes Democrat in Texas
Former Bush adviser Karl Rove announced he would vote for Democrat Jon Rosenthal in the Texas Railroad Commission race, his first statewide Democratic vote in over 30 years. He cited racist comments made by Republican nominee Bo French about South Asian students.

> The GOP's stables need a cleaning. This is a good place to start.
## Kansas governor backs Democrat
Former Republican Governor Bill Graves endorsed Democratic Senate candidate Adam Hamilton over Republican Senator Roger Marshall. Kansas has not elected a Democratic senator since the nineteen thirties.
## Texas Republicans support Talarico
More than 20 current and former Republican officials endorsed Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. Supporters cited concerns about Paxton and Talarico's ability to work across party lines.
## Jeff Flake backs Jon Ossoff
Former Republican Senator Jeff Flake endorsed Democrat Jon Ossoff's reelection bid in Georgia, praising his independence and willingness to work across party lines. Georgia is a major battleground where Senate control could be decided.
## Former RNC chair endorses Montana Democrat
Former Republican National Committee Chairman Marc Racicot endorsed Democrat Sam Forstag in Montana's western congressional district. Racicot praised Forstag's character, preparation and commitment to constitutional values.

> He cares about what he's doing. He's very well prepared. He has the right priorities in terms of character and virtues and value and belief in the Constitution.
## Florida Republicans for Jolly
Former Republican congressman David Jolly launched a gubernatorial campaign backed by a group called Republicans for Jolly, including former GOP gubernatorial candidate Bobby Williams and Reagan administration official Greg Wilson.
## Pattern driven by candidates, not ideology
These endorsements do not signal a wholesale realignment of Republican voters. Most Republicans crossing party lines emphasize their decisions are tied to particular candidates rather than rejecting conservatism itself.
## Key takeaway

Cross-party endorsements in red states are driven by concerns about specific Republican nominees rather than ideological shifts, with supporters emphasizing candidate quality over party loyalty.