Joe Biden shock: Republican Michigan Mayor Michael Taylor endorses ex-VP

With former Vice President Joe Biden expected to take the lead in the Michigan primary in the next set of primaries this week, many have already assumed him as the Democratic nominee. Another public endorsement was recently made for Biden, by a Republican mayor of the state.

Recent reports reveal that Biden has earned the support of one Republican in the upcoming elections this November. Michael Taylor, the mayor of Sterling Heights in the Macomb County of Michigan, a place known for being pro-Trump, has publicly endorsed his vote for the Democratic candidate. Taylor, who voted for Trump back in 2016, expressed his decision to not vote for Trump again this year.

Having voted for fellow Republicans Mitt Romney and John McCain during the respective election years, Taylor explained that this time he will vote for Biden not only in the Michigan primary but also in the official elections this November. Michigan is a state that holds open primaries, meaning people from either party can vote for either primary.

Newsweek reports that many have praised Taylor for openly voicing his support for the Democratic candidate. “Since announcing my endorsement of Joe Biden I have received an outpouring of encouraging messages and believe even more strongly that Joe Biden is the candidate that can defeat Donald Trump in Macomb County and the state of Michigan,” said Taylor.

As to why Taylor would not vote for Trump again, he said that the president is “deranged” and that Biden can help unite all the Democrats and can appeal to moderates and Republicans like himself who are not interested in seeing Trump in office for another term more. Taylor revealed that he had his reservations towards Trump back in 2016, but voted for him because he was under the same party and the hope that Trump would be less “deranged” once he was in office, but it was not the case.

Along with Taylor, former Democrat presidential hopefuls Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris have also publicly announced their endorsement of Biden. Booker announced his endorsement on social media. “The answer to hatred & division is to reignite our spirit of common purpose. Joe Biden won’t only win - he’ll show there’s more that unites us than divides us,” tweeted Booker.