Former Democrats Who Betrayed Their Roots for the Republican Agenda

Nathalie BaugiNov 27, 2023

Minute Read

Political affiliations can shift as individuals reassess their values and priorities. This phenomenon is not exclusive to one party, and it’s not uncommon for politicians and public figures to switch party allegiances. Here, we’ll explore 18 influential Republicans who, at some point in their lives, were Democrats.

Ronald Reagan

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One of the most iconic Republican figures, Ronald Reagan, began his political career as a Democrat. He served as President of the Screen Actors Guild before transitioning to the GOP and eventually becoming the 40th President of the United States, leaving a profound impact on conservative politics.

Condoleezza Rice

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was a registered Democrat before switching her affiliation in the 1980s. Her influence on Republican foreign policy and her role in the George W. Bush administration make her a notable figure in the party.

Donald Rumsfeld

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Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, who served under Presidents Ford and George W. Bush, began his political journey as a Democrat before becoming a prominent Republican known for his contributions to U.S. national security.

Michael Bloomberg

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Former Mayor of New York City and media mogul Michael Bloomberg transitioned from the Democratic Party to become a Republican during his political career, before eventually becoming an independent.

Zell Miller

Former Georgia Governor and U.S. Senator Zell Miller, who famously spoke at the Republican National Convention, initially identified as a Democrat. His switch to the GOP showcased the changing political landscape in the South.

Phil Gramm

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Former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm, who represented Texas, began his political journey as a Democrat. He later became a prominent Republican known for his work on economic policy.

Jim DeMint

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Former U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, a prominent conservative, was originally a Democrat. His switch to the Republican Party marked a significant shift in his political career.

David Clarke

David Clarke, former Sheriff of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, was once a Democrat but later embraced Republican and conservative values. His vocal advocacy for law and order made him a notable figure on the right.

Arlen Specter

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Arlen Specter, a U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, started his political journey as a Democrat before changing his affiliation to Republican. He later returned to the Democratic Party.

Dennis Prager

Conservative radio host and author Dennis Prager was a registered Democrat in his early years before transitioning to the GOP. His influence on conservative thought and values is widely recognized.

Bobby Jindal

Former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal initially identified as a Democrat. He later became a Republican and pursued a career in conservative politics, including a run for the presidency.

Laura Ingraham

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Renowned conservative commentator Laura Ingraham had Democratic leanings during her college years but shifted to the Republican Party. Her influential media presence has made her a prominent conservative voice.

Bill Bennett

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Former U.S. Secretary of Education Bill Bennett, a prominent conservative commentator and author, was once a Democrat before becoming a leading figure in Republican education policy.

Jerry Falwell Jr.

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Former Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr., a key figure in the evangelical conservative movement, was initially a Democrat before embracing the Republican Party’s values.

Wayne LaPierre

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NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre was a member of the Democratic Party in his youth but later became a staunch advocate for Second Amendment rights within the Republican Party.

Lindsey Graham

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina began his political journey as a Democrat before becoming a leading figure in the GOP, known for his involvement in foreign policy and national security.

Bob Barr

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Former U.S. Representative Bob Barr, who served as a Georgia Congressman, was once a Democrat. He later transitioned to the Republican Party and became a prominent conservative figure.

William Bennett

Former Congressman William Bennett of New York was a registered Democrat before shifting his allegiance to the Republican Party. His service in the U.S. House of Representatives marked his commitment to conservative values.