18 Defectors That Enraged The GOP: Once Loyal Republicans, Now Democrats Fueling Political Backlash

Amy LewisNov 2, 2023

Minute Read

The world of politics often witnesses remarkable journeys, and one intriguing phenomenon is the transition from being a Republican to embracing Democratic values. While political allegiances may shift, these 18 individuals have not only made the switch but have also become prominent figures within the Democratic Party. Their unique stories, diverse backgrounds, and contributions to the party make them noteworthy figures in the realm of American politics.

Joe Biden

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The 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden, once identified as a moderate Republican during his early years in politics but later evolved into a prominent Democratic leader, eventually serving as Vice President under President Barack Obama.

Hillary Clinton

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Former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, began her political journey as a young Republican before becoming an iconic figure in Democratic politics.

Al Gore

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Al Gore, former Vice President under President Bill Clinton and environmental advocate, was once a self-proclaimed conservative Democrat, aligning himself with the Republican Party before shifting to the Democratic side.

Arlen Specter

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Former U.S. Senator Arlen Specter spent much of his political career as a Republican but famously switched to the Democratic Party in 2009, citing differences with the Republican Party’s direction.

Jim Webb

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Jim Webb, former U.S. Senator and Secretary of the Navy, began his political life as a Republican but later made the transition to the Democratic Party, where he gained recognition for his political and military service.

Charlie Crist

Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist started his political career as a Republican, serving as both Governor and State Attorney General. He later became an independent and then a Democrat.

Lincoln Chafee

Former Rhode Island Governor and U.S. Senator, Lincoln Chafee, initially identified as a Republican before joining the Democratic Party and even running for the Democratic nomination for president in 2016.

Greg Stanton

Greg Stanton, the Mayor of Phoenix, Arizona, transitioned from being a Republican member of the Phoenix City Council to becoming a Democratic leader in a key Southwestern city.

Joseph Kennedy III

Joseph Kennedy III, a former U.S. Representative from Massachusetts, emerged as a Democratic star despite his family’s Republican roots, with his great-grandfather, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., being a notable Republican.

John Lewis

The late John Lewis, a civil rights icon and U.S. Representative had a unique journey from growing up in a Republican family to becoming an influential Democrat known for his tireless activism.

Mike Espy

Mike Espy, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, served in the Republican Party but shifted to the Democratic Party, where he made history as the first African American to represent Mississippi in Congress since Reconstruction.

Kathleen Rice

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Kathleen Rice, a U.S. Representative from New York, initially identified as a Republican and served as the Nassau County District Attorney before transitioning to the Democratic Party.

Patty Murray

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Senator Patty Murray, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, briefly registered as a Republican in her youth before embarking on a career as a Democratic leader and the “mom in tennis shoes.”

Tulsi Gabbard

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Former U.S. Representative and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard was raised in a conservative family but later embraced the Democratic Party, where she became known for her progressive stances.

Antonio Villaraigosa

Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles, had a political journey that included affiliations with both the Democratic and Republican Parties, but he is most recognized for his Democratic leadership.

Lisa Murkowski

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, the first U.S. Senator to win as a write-in candidate since 1954, switched from the Republican Party to become an independent before later affiliating with the Democrats.

Milton Marks

Milton Marks, a California State Senator, transitioned from a moderate Republican to a respected Democratic leader who championed healthcare and civil rights issues.

Elizabeth Warren

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Senator Elizabeth Warren, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and a progressive icon, was a registered Republican in the 1990s but later emerged as a vocal advocate for progressive values.