Gerald Ford’s daughter endorses Harris

Susan Ford Bales, the daughter of former President Ford, has endorsed Vice President Harris in the upcoming presidential election.

“When my father, Gerald Ford, was sworn-in as America’s 38th President, the nation was in need of a serious, compassionate and honorable leader who had the courage to do what was right and always defend our Constitution,” Bales said in a statement. “His dedication to those values helped bring out country through a turbulent time and restored Americans’ trust in our democracy. We face a similar dynamic today.”

Ford, a Republican, was sworn into office in 1974. He served as vice president to former President Nixon and took over as commander in chief after Nixon resigned.

His daughter is also a Republican who said she may not agree with Harris on everything but knows she will defend the Constitution and not replicate the “horrors” of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

“Vice President Harris and I likely disagree on some policy matters, but her integrity and commitment to those same principles that guided Dad have led me to conclude that Kamala Harris should be elected 47th President of the United States,” Bales said.

She said Harris recognizes good and greatness in the country and will work beyond partisanship to move forward.

“This is what America deserves from our President, and that is why I am proud to endorse Vice President Harris for President of the United States,” Bales said.

Several prominent Republican figures have thrown their endorsement behind Harris. Former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, ex-Rep. Liz Cheney (Wyo.), have also backed Harris in recent weeks.

The Harris campaign has sought to highlight the Republican backers, including by hosting multiple events with the younger Cheney.

In a statement, the Harris campaign said that while former President Trump rejects independent voters and Republicans who cast ballots for his primary rivals, Harris has “made it clear that there’s a home in her campaign for Republican voters who care deeply about the future of our democracy.”

Harris also has said she would have a Republican in her Cabinet if she were elected.

The Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment.