Former Democratic presidential candidate and independent Tulsi Gabbard officially announced her joining the Republican Party at Tuesday's Trump rally.
The rally was held in Greensboro, North Carolina, a key battleground state for the upcoming election.
Gabbard recently joined the Trump campaign as honorary co-chairs of the former president's transition team, along with fellow former Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Tulsi Gabbard says she's 'honored' to join President Trump's administration
Gabbard cited her admiration for President Trump's leadership in “transforming the Republican Party and returning it to the party of the people and the party of peace” as one of the reasons for her decision.
“I'm proud to stand here with President Trump today and announce that I'm joining the Republican Party. I'm joining the party of the people,” Gabbard said.
Gabbard announced her public support for the Republican Party at a Trump rally Tuesday night. (Getty Images)
“A party of equality. A party founded to fight and end slavery in this country. A party of common sense, led by a president who has the courage and strength to fight for peace,” he added. . Gabbard.
President Trump said, “Thank you so much, Tulsi. That's great. Wow, that was amazing.” “Seriously, she's been independent for so long, which is great. I'm so honored. Thank you so much, Tulsi.”
Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard supports Trump in 2024 presidential election
Tulsi Gabbard served as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2013 to 2016, before stepping down to officially endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) for president.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump hugs former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard during a campaign rally at the Greensboro Coliseum on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nickinson)
Gabbard, who ran as a Democrat in the 2020 presidential election, powerfully challenged then-candidate Kamala Harris in a primary debate, tearing her career apart as a prosecutor and California attorney general.
At the time, Gabbard criticized Harris for prosecuting numerous marijuana-related cases to conviction and influencing California's cash bail system.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump welcomes Democratic former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard during a campaign rally at the Greensboro Coliseum on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nickinson)
Ultimately, Gabbard left the Democratic Party in 2022 and declared herself an independent. She has since started her own podcast and speaks at conservative events.
Gabbard represented Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District as a Democrat from 2013 to 2021. She serves in the U.S. Army Reserve with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
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Representatives for Tulsi Gabbard did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
